Photos by Justin Sutton, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Ray E. Didier Field 906 E 1st St Thibodaux, LA 70301 Nicholls State Colonels website Ray E. Didier Field website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 3,200 Colonels Baseball: A Cajun Country Experience Taking in a Colonels baseball game at Ray E. Didier Field provides visiting fans with a traditional setting for small college baseball. While in town, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the best of Cajun culture, catch quality Southland Conference baseball, and enjoy a friendly atmosphere. Didier Field has served as the home ballpark for the Nicholls State Colonels for over 50 years, having been originally constructed in 1960. The stadium has a seating capacity of 1,800. The Colonels are a member of the Southland Conference in NCAA Division I. Food & Beverage 2 Ray E. Didier Field provides the basic ballpark staples to keep you satisfied through the game. The stand is a mobile trailer located behind the main grandstand. Quality and Variety of Food Options . Your main food options include hot dogs ($3), nachos ($3), and hamburgers ($4). Extra chili and cheese are available for $1. Snack items include chips, pickles, and candy for $2 as well as popcorn for $3. An item that stands out as unique is “Da Cajun Bratwurst” for $5. This item includes a Cajun bratwurst topped with grilled onions and peppers. Variety of Drink Options . Didier Field features bottled Coca-Cola products for $3. Bottled Dasani water is available for $3 and also hot chocolate, when available during cold games. Beer is available for $4, which includes the major brands of Bud Light, Coors Light, and Michelob Ultra. Recommendation . Da Cajun Bratwurst is pretty tasty and will keep you satisfied. Also, it’s hard to beat a hot dog while at the ballpark. Atmosphere 3 Ray E. Didier Field offers an atmosphere college baseball purists would love. Stadium Aesthetics . Opened originally in 1960, Ray E. Didier Field has stood the test of time as the home ballpark for Nicholls State baseball. While the stadium may lack in a unified grandstand, it is able to accommodate large crowds for big match-ups with a seating capacity of 1,800. Fans also have multiple different viewing areas to choose from around the playing surface. Didier Field features a natural grass playing surface and the outfield wall dimensions are 331-400-331. The scoreboard features a small video display underneath, otherwise, it’s a traditional board. There are two signs on both sides of the center field wall, one which lists postseason accomplishments and the other which lists former Colonels now playing professionally. In-Game Promotions and Entertainment. One of the favorite promotions at Didier Field is the Raising Cane’s Challenge. If the Colonels score three or more runs in the game, fans can pick up a voucher for a “buy a combo, get a combo free” deal at the local restaurant. Given the popularity of Raising Cane’s across Louisiana, this is a great deal. Didier Field also features piped in music between inning changes and various announcements from the PA. There’s an occasional trivia question as well. Don’t expect any minor league antics throughout the game. Seat Location Recommendations . Didier Field offers five sets of bleachers for fans to choose from. The main grandstand is located behind the backstop and features seat backs in center along with bleacher seating to the sides. Two smaller sets of bleachers are on both sides of the main grandstand. Two more sets are further out and feature chair back seating in the lower half. Members of the athletics association have special tailgate section located at the end of first baseline. Grab a general admission seat in the bleachers in the main grandstand for your best view. Neighborhood 2 While a lot of cities in Louisiana refer to their region as “Cajun Country,” Thibodaux defines that term as a city situated on the bayou in extreme south Louisiana. With a population of about 14,500, Thibodaux is a small college town which thrives off Nicholls State University. While the area isn’t filled with an endless supply of attractions and restaurants, there are a few quality options you should consider while in town. Also, keep in mind that you are within driving distance to New Orleans. Where to Eat . Be sure to make a visit to Fremin’s Restaurant. Located in an old drug store, Fremin’s offers an up-scale dining experience in downtown Thibodaux. Spahr’s Seafood is also a great stop for Cajun flavor. It’s always hard to resist Raising Cane’s in small town Louisiana. If you are looking for the bar/pub scene, be sure to check out Rene’s and Rox’s Bar. Attractions & Entertainment . The Bayou Country Children’s Museum is a nice stop for traveling families who need a break in the sports action. You can also check out the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center for history about the region. Where to Stay . For a comfortable stay while in Thibodaux, check-in at the Carmel Inn and Suites. Fans 2 Despite being in a small city where the sports headlines are dominated by bigger programs, there’s something about attending a Nicholls baseball game that feels like home. Many of the fans seems to know each other and share a passion for the university and program. Typical Attendance. For your typical weekend series, expect to see about 200 – 500 fans in attendance. When the Colonels are putting together a strong season, crowd sizes can increase to the 700 range. While stadium capacity can hold much more, these seats are usually filled when cross-state rivals like LSU, UL-Lafayette, or Tulane come to town. You can also expect bigger crowds when conference rivals UNO and Southeastern Louisiana pay Thibodaux a visit. Crowd Noise & Engagement . Fans stay into the game and are knowledgeable both about the team and the game of baseball. Expect big outbursts when a run is scored or a call is missed, but a low-key experience outside of those occurrences. Access 3 Unless you’re from the nearby coastal Louisiana region, getting to Thibodaux will be a bit of a trip. However, as soon as you reach the ballpark, getting through the gates and to your seats will be a breeze. Transit to and from Stadium . Thibodaux is located about 70 miles southwest of New Orleans and approximately the same distance south of Baton Rouge. If you’re traveling in from the New Orleans area, take I-10 West and exit onto I-310 South. After about 10 miles, you’ll exit onto Highway 90 South. You can then turn right onto LA 208 after about 13 miles and head towards Thibodaux. Parking . Ample parking is available just across the street from Didier Field in the Guidry Stadium parking lot. Ticketing & Gate Entry . The ticket booth is located behind the main grandstand. There isn’t usually a line and the staff are quick and friendly. You’ll get your tickets and go through the entrance gate without any hassle. Moving around the stadium . You shouldn’t encounter any issues moving around the ballpark. While the walkways behind the bleachers can be a little narrow at times, typically there aren’t a lot of others passing by at the same time you do. Restrooms are located down third baseline. While they are a little dated, the restroom size is adequate for the crowd. Each set of bleachers has wide walkways and aisles. Return on Investment 4 The overall return on investment at Didier Field is strong. General admission tickets start at as little as $7. Concession prices are reasonable and parking is free. The overall experience comes with a minimal out of pocket cost to baseball fans. Extras 3 A few “extra” components highlight the overall experience at Ray E. Didier Field. Nicholls Baseball flags post around the ballpark at the top of the bleachers add a nice touch to the stadium feel. There’s also a plaque honoring the late Tony Budreau in the walkway down first baseline. In the outfield there’s a sign which lists the Colonels’ postseason accomplishments and another which lists each former Colonel currently playing professionally.

Photos by Marc Viquez and Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium 501 W South St South Bend, IN 46601 South Bend Cubs website Four Winds Field website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 5,000 A Ballpark of Fun in South Bend Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium is the home of the South Bend Cubs, the Single-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, in the Midwest League. The facility saw major renovations before the 2013 season, two seasons later the club signed a player development agreement with the Cubs and adopted its moniker. The team had been known as the South Bend Silver Hawks and when it changed to the Cubs name, team merchandise increased to 600 percent in sales. Attendance also increased from 34 percent with 88,000 more customers attending games at “The Cove.” Further providing success has been the population growth in downtown South Bend as old building structures are being converted to work-eat-play living spaces. The most significant change has been the addition of Berlin Place at the Ivy behind center field Named after the owner, Andrew Berlin, it contains living, retail, and residential space. Much like Wrigley Field , this facility includes rooftop bleachers, providing a view not found at too many ballparks at this level. The venue was dedicated as Stanley Coveleski Regional Stadium on August 25, 1987, and cost $9 million, 60 percent over the original budget, to build. The Chicago White Sox relocated their Midwest League affiliate to town the following season and attracted more than 171,000 fans. In 1994 the club changed its name to the Silver Hawks as an homage to the Studebaker Silver Hawk automobile, which was manufactured in the town. Stanley Coveleski is enshrined in Cooperstown and won 215 games between 1912 and 1928. He retired to South Bend to run a service station after his retirement and became a popular figure in the community until his death in 1984 at the age of 94. Food & Beverage 4 The majority of the concession stands are in the main concourse behind Sections 101 and 118. However, multiple kiosks are available down each baseline of the stadium. Here is what to expect when you get hungry at an SB-Cubs game. The Burgertopia grill, behind home plate, offers eight unique options; the burgers are cooked to order and include Pit Boss, The Grizzly, Jalapeno Bopper, and Mushroom, and Swiss. The Cubs is the most popular burger and is topped with bacon, barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, fried onions, lettuce, and tomato. Steakadelphia is a popular spot with items selling out before the final out of the game. The grill serves up two items: cheesesteak sandwiches and Philly nachos with peppers and onions. A few feet down is the Salsa cart, where customers can build their nachos or tacos with chicken, steak, or carnitas as the base. Smokey Joe’s Barbecue shack features brisket sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, and mac and cheese bowls. The Flash Point Grills offer pork tenderloin sandwiches, cheese curds, hot dogs, nachos, and soft drinks. If you are looking for dessert, try the Sweet Spot stand, where the menu options include funnel cake fries, ice cream, elephant ears sundaes, and fried churros. However, fans also lineup for the Dippin’ Dots. There are two craft beer sections at Sections 108, 116, and near Gate B, along with the Tiki Bar Hut, offering mixed drinks, sangria, slushies. Pepsi products are the beverages of choice at Four Winds Field. Atmosphere 5 The Cove offers an open concourse behind the grandstand seating section and a wrap-around concourse. The main entrance behind the center field concourse houses a majority of the festive atmosphere and provides an opening to the rest of the city. There is a lot of fun for the kids in the outfield area. The Splash Pad and playground near the right field foul pole offers hours of good times and a changing room. The Toyota Fun Zone that runs from left to center field offers inflatable rides for kids for a $6 wristband. Older fans can play bags AKA cornhole at the Beach House in center field. Plaques honoring South Bend’s citizens are behind home plate, and a bronze statue of Stanley Coveleski is located at the center field entrance. He relocated to town after his 14-year playing career and became a popular member of the community The team offers traditional entertainment between innings, and the on-field announcers are hilarious as they have fun interacting with the fans. A mascot race dubbed the “Produce Race” where Cauliflower, Mushroom, and Broccoli compete. A loud fog horn is set off when the team scores a run. The air-conditioned Cubs Den gift shop is a renovated synagogue that was built in 1901. It is a “must-see” with great architecture (check out the chandelier and stained glass windows) and an excellent selection of Cubs items. The grounds in front of the building are worth noticing; a very well done area of an existing building at any ballpark. The United Federal Credit Union Rooftop seats provide a vantage point, unlike any other High A ballpark. Separated from the stadium, fans can enjoy a mini Wrigley-like experience with bleacher seating, a bar, lounge seats, and tables, while enjoying a high-rise view of the baseball game. Neighborhood 3 There are no restaurants or bars adjacent to the park, and Berlin Place at the Ivy has yet to attract a restaurant or bar to its complex. There are places worth visiting that are within a 5-minute drive of the ballpark. Also, South Bend is home to Notre Dame University, a destination all to itself only 3 miles north of the ballpark Roselily is a low-key, family-owned restaurant that offers brunch and dinner. Nick’s Patio always has something good to eat on its menu, and where players visit after the game, and Corby’s Irish Pub has a college-vibe atmosphere if you are looking for a drink. A few breweries of choice include The Crooked Ewe Brewery and Ale House and the South Bend Brew Werks. Tourists can enjoy the Studebaker Museum, which is close to the park and offers the history of Studebaker automobiles. Next to the museum is the Tippecanoe Place Restaurant, located in a mansion built in 1888 and has a lot to look at from its creaky floors and historic photos; it also houses a brewery on the second floor. Fans 4 The extensive improvements made at Four Winds Field in the last few years are remarkable, and the fans approve. Attendance has continuously grown, averaging 4,770 in 2019, fifth in the Midwest League. Given the proximity to Chicago, about 100 miles to the east, the affiliation is another plus. On that rare occasion when a Notre Dame football game is being played, don’t be shocked to see most of the fans’ attention on the TV’s in the stadium on the Irish. Access 4 The park is southwest of downtown, and street signs around the city direct fans to it. A collection of parking lots are located north of the stadium. It does get a little congested on the main concourse roof, where most of the concession stands can be found. Visitors should be prepared to duck in and out on busy nights; however, the rest of the stadium blossoms into open spaces beyond this point. Physically challenged fans are also well served. The “South Bend Transpo” offers buses that stop near the park. For night games, fans should sit on the third base side to avoid the sun in their eyes. Return on Investment 4 Like many minor league teams, the Cubs charge $1 more for seats purchased the day of the game. Seats bought in advance are Field Box seats down the line for $11, the Dugout Box seats behind home plate are $13, and the Patio Porch (RF) Home Run Porch (LF) cost $15. Tickets are $40 for the United Federal Credit Union Rooftop and include a two-hour buffet of burgers, hot dogs, and sides. It also includes a cash bar and beautiful views of the game from high above the street. On Monday nights, fans enjoy all-you-can-eat hot dogs, popcorn, and peanuts for an extra $8. Thirsty Thursdays features 16 oz. domestic draft beer and 24 oz. fountain sodas for just $2 all game long. A free game day program is given to all fans. Parking is $7 in various lots near the stadium, but other lots are free and offer free shuttle service. You can also find free parking in the city streets depending on when you arrive at the game. Extras 5 The ballpark offers a lot of features that give it extra marks. The team has two official mascots Stu and Swoop. Stu D. Baker is a bear, while Swoop is the former Silver Hawk mascot who made the transition and now dons the colors of red and blue. The lively characters wander the park to have fun with fans of all ages. The rooftop seats are another plus for the ballpark and are an option for fans. You get a one-of-a-kind view of the game and connect well with the other rooftops at Wrigleyville, except these are a bit cheaper. The Tiki Hut is behind left field and is for the 21 and up the crowd. The small bar offers flat-screen televisions, patio seating, tabletops and chairs, and another vantage point of the game. Fans can choose from beer, wine, mixed drinks, and alcoholic slushies from the menu board. The Cubs Den located in the former synagogue is another plus for the ballpark. The former place of worship is a unique option for a team apparel store, but it is just another dimension for the stadium experience. The final point is the triangular ceiling above the main concourse behind the backstop. One of the leftover designs of the original structure adds a different dimension with white ceiling lights hanging from the structure. Final Thoughts The transformation of Four Winds Field and Coveleski Stadium can be likened to a butterfly emerging from a cocoon or Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree. The design was ahead of its time and made it possible to make the necessary renovations. The open concourse, seating behind the outfield wall, and downtown location resulted in the changes and not knocking it down in favor of another facility. The ballpark and the area around it have developed into a festive atmosphere with great food choices, areas for the kids to play, and great sightlines for the game on the field. It is a ballpark that stands out from the rest in the league, full of colorful places for the game. For comfort and style, this is one of the better ones to visit. ——– Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 William Hammond Stadium 14100 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy Fort Myers, FL 33912 Minnesota Twins Spring Training website William Hammond Stadium website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 9,300 A Twins Peek at Hammond Stadium Hammond Stadium has been the Minnesota Twins spring training home since 1991. It is located at the Lee County Sports Complex in Ft. Myers. The complex has five practice fields adjacent to Hammond Stadium, as the Twins spring training facility is attached to the stadium. The ballpark went through renovations in 2014-2015 and now seats 8,730. It is named for Bill Hammond, a former county commissioner who played a key role in getting the stadium built. Food & Beverage 5 Hammond Stadium offers a good variety of food and drinks through its concessions program. It is made up of baseball standards and a number of foods that are unique to the palate of Twins fans. There are six concession stands serving Hammond Stadium, along with several portable carts. In addition to the concession stands, there is a beer garden at aisle 132 with a bevy of top brews as well as a broad selection of craft beers. Baseball standards available at Hammond Stadium include hot dogs, burgers, pretzels, nachos, pizza, and grilled chicken sandwiches. Drinks include bottled water, Pepsi brand sodas, and beer. The Nawty Hogg BBQ stand carries BBQ ribs, brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ chicken and a delicious BBQ sundae. Taco Bar and Grill offers beef and chicken tacos, and quesadillas ($8 - $9.25). The Lee County Grill serves up brats, chicken tenders, and corn dogs ($6.75 - $8.25). The Taste of Twins stand offers a menu specially designed to meet the needs of Minnesotans. It serves cheese curds ($7.25), pancake bacon burgers ($8.25), poutine ($10), and Killebrew root beer ($5.75). You can wash all that down with a Leinenkugel beer or a beer shake ($10) in several different flavors. Atmosphere 5 A day at a Twins spring training game is very enjoyable. You will notice this from the moment you arrive at a game. The parking lot is very convenient to the stadium, which features a Grand Floridian exterior, steeples and a large fountain in front of it. The grounds feature a set of palm trees, which frame your view of the ballpark as you depart the parking area. It makes for a wonderful photo of your visit. Once in the stadium, you’ll immediately see the large opening in the stadium concourse, which gives you an excellent view of the playing field. The concourse is filled with a variety of concession stands offering stadium staples and Minnesota specialties. It is hard to go wrong in your choice of seating, as all seats feature a great view of the action on the field. Most seats are on the 100 level of the stadium, but even the 200 level and the Terrace levels offer excellent viewing areas. There are a number of price levels and viewing areas for fans to choose from. Some of the most economical seats are in the outfield. These would include the berms in deep left field or the lawn seats near the first baseline. Many people like to socialize as much as watch the game, and they purchase the drink rail seats, which allow them to move around to different locations during the game. Hammond Stadium Berm Seating, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 We need to mention one thing before we talk about the area that Hammond Stadium is in. Hurricane Ian caused a massive amount of damage to the Ft. Myers area. Please call ahead to any restaurant or attraction in the area to make sure it is open. The locations mentioned in this section are open in spring 2023. The Boston Red Sox play their games at JetBlue Park , which is only six miles from Hammond Park. This is both a blessing and a curse. It is nice to have another Spring Training facility so close if you are trying to get in as many Grapefruit ballparks as you can during your visit. However, if the Twins and the Red Sox are both playing games at the same time traffic can be a nightmare. Allow plenty of lead time to get to the park. There is plenty to do in and around the park before and after a game. Both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford had winter homes in Ft. Myers. Their estate lines a beautiful river, and their homes are open to the public. They are well worth a visit, both for the beautiful homes and grounds, but also for a look at the inventions they both created, in addition to the cars and the light bulb they both are better known for. Sports fans will want to check out Fat Katz Sports Bistro for some great food before or after the game. The Fairfield Inn on Cypress Terrace is the closest hotel to Hammond Stadium and provides easy access to many of the other activities around Ft. Myers. Fans 5 The Minnesota Twins fan base is very loyal to the team, and you will see tons of Minnesota license plates in the parking lots at Hammond Stadium. This is partially loyalty to the team, and partially due to the desire to escape the bitter cold that Minnesota experiences in March. The Twins fans are well educated about baseball and the Twins history and can answer any trivia you ask about the team. The team’s payroll tends to bring in the big free agents, but the Twins have been able to make the playoffs on a frequent basis in the last few years. Another component of the crowds at Hammond Park are the ballpark chasers. These fans are intent on seeing games at as many ballparks as they can. Hammond Stadium is only 6 miles from the Red Sox spring training stadium, and the Braves and the Tigers facilities are also close by. Ft. Myers is a popular retirement location for many. Since the Twins have trained in the city for more than 30 years, many of the locals have adopted the team as their own. They often form the season ticket base for the team. Access 4 Getting to Hammond Stadium is easy to get to if driving from I-75. The parking lots at Hammond Stadium are in front of the stadium. Each lane for parking is named for a great player of the past for the Twins. Remember this name when you depart the stadium to find your car’s location more easily. Bicycle racks are available for locals. There are three entry gates at Hammond Stadium. Stadium gates open 90 minutes prior to the first pitch. Once inside the stadium, you will find the concourse to be very wide and easy to navigate. Signage at Hammond is excellent, and you should have no problem finding your seat. A concrete boardwalk encircles the stadium allowing 360 degree access for fans. The closest airport for those flying into Ft. Myers is Fort Meyers/Southwest Florida International Airport. It is serviced by all the major carriers. However flights into Ft. Myers tend to be more expensive than other Florida airports. Tampa International Airport is within 100 miles of the ballpark and it is a much more affordlable alternative to consider. Return on Investment 4 We found the price of attending a Twins game at Hammond Stadium to be lower than most Grapefruit League stadiums, as the ticket prices, concessions and parking are more affordable for families. All purchases at Hammond Stadium are credit card only. Hammond Stadium has a wide variety of seats available at many price points. The range runs from as low as $12 and as high as $32. We urge you to buy your seats in advance, rather than at the park. The Twins frequently sell out their games. Here is a listing of the price points for Twins tickets in 2023: Center Field Grandstand ($12) Left Field Berm ($13) Right Field Lawn ($15) Porch/Drink Rail ($16) Scoreboard Pavilion ($20) Bullpen Zone ($26) Home Plate View/ 200 level ($29) Diamond Box ($31) Terrace Level ($32) Parking is $10 at Hammond Stadium. Extras 3 The Twins have a special Minnesota Day celebration each season. The event starts early in the morning before an afternoon game. This is the only day fans are allowed to tailgate. Fans are urged to bring some type of decoration that represents their area of the state. Lots of cheese curds and beer abound. Hammond Stadium also serves as the home field of the Ft. Myers Mighty Mussels of the Florida State League. They are the Single A affiliate of the Twins. There are several good spots to get a selfie at Hammond Stadium. As you head towards the stadium, there is a pole showing distances from Hammond Stadium to the Twin Cities and each of the cities hosting a Twins farm club. A second spot to consider is the fountain in front of Hammond’s elegant Floridian exterior. The Twins mascot T.C. Bear visits a number of the stands each game. He is very willing to pose with you in a photo. Final Thoughts Hammond Stadium delivers a strong Midwestern vibe to fans attending a Twins game during spring training. The fans show the Midwest spirit in welcoming visitors to their Florida outpost. The concession stand menus are filled with items like cheese curds, corn dogs and brats… and beer shakes. They’ll even toast you with a Killebrew root beer! The Twins have one of the largest and most loyal fan bases in Florida each spring, and the team shows its appreciation by holding a Minnesota Day at the end of spring training, where fans are urged to represent their hometown by wearing the colors of their community’s school for the final game before the team heads back up to Target Field.

Photos Courtesy of Stadium Vagabond Fair Grounds Field in Shreveport, Louisiana, is crumbling. It was the home of minor league baseball for decades but has been left filthy and coated with bat droppings. Last month, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux signed a contract to demolish the stadium, signaling the death knell for the 38-year-old stadium. According to the Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate , the cost to tear it down is $334,000, much less than any plans to revitalize the deteriorating structure. It would have been razed two years ago if not for a lawsuit filed by the Friends of Fair Grounds Field. They were concerned about the possibility of hazardous bat guano with nearby residents. A cauldron of bats made the ballpark home and covered it with droppings, creating dust that contains microscopic spores that can cause histoplasmosis. The not-for-profit group had plans to convert it to a year-round stadium for youth and community activities, but the plans were deemed too expensive by Arceneaux. It was a big risk to turn the former ballpark into a space for youth sports. There was also a plan with REV Entertainment to revitalize the entire fairgrounds property with an entertainment complex with a multipurpose stadium, restaurants, a hotel, and possible housing options. Photos Courtesy of Stadium Vagabond Fair Grounds Field opened in 1986 as the home of the Shreveport Captains of the Texas League. The Captains were the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. The ballpark held 5,300, and 183,560 people came through the turnstiles, including 7,213 people on opening night.  The design of the stadium was very much for its time, with two large concrete stands down each baseline and the press and covered luxury boxes directly behind home plate. Within a few years, this design of a baseball stadium would be obsolete in the minor leagues. The team changed its name to the Swamp Dragons in the final two seasons before being sold to Mandalay Entertainment and renamed the Frisco Rough Riders in 2003. They drew 59,316 and 24,560, respectively, in the last two years. Baseball continued with the Shreveport Sports of the independent Central Baseball League, later renamed the Shreveport-Bossier Captains in 2009. However, the second version of the Captains relocated to Laredo, Texas, after the 2011 season. Photos Courtesy of Stadium Vagabond There were plans to bring a summer collegiate baseball team to the ballpark in 2012, but those plans never materialized. The ballpark was left to rot and fall in squalid conditions after plans floated around on what to do with the structure. However, like many other ballparks, the best option is to knock it down.  Many have splendid memories of attending games, and others are sad to see them go. There are no plans to build a modern ballpark or to bring a professional or summer collegiate baseball team to Shreveport in the foreseeable future.  Any opportunity to save Fair Grounds Field is now moot; it is quickly crumbling down by wreckage crews. Then again, it has slowly been crumbling down for over a decade. Photos Courtesy of Stadium Vagabond ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitte r @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Cory Sims, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Memorial Stadium 1017 W 11th St Lawrence, KS 66044 Kansas Jayhawks website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1921 Capacity: 50,071 Towering Toward the Blue Memorial Stadium at the University of Kansas is one of the oldest stadiums in the country, and is the third oldest college football stadium west of the Mississippi. Built in 1920 as a memorial to University of Kansas students who died in World War I, it has been the home to the Jayhawks football team for nearly 100 years. One amazing bit of history about the construction of Memorial Stadium is that John Wooden, future genius basketball coach at UCLA, briefly worked on the building crew during his journey west. Although the Jayhawks are not famed for their football prowess, NFL Hall of Fame players Gayle Sayers and John Riggins both suited up in the Crimson and Blue and played their homes games in Memorial Stadium. Though the school is proud of its stadium’s history, Jayhawks are not focused solely on the past. In recent years, new practice fields and workout facilities have been built just outside Memorial Stadium to keep KU football features on par with the other schools in the Big 12. Prior to the 2014 football season, the track around the field, long grumbled about by KU fans who thought it was an eye sore, was removed and replaced with green turf. This is the first bit of upcoming stadium renovations to take place in the next few years, the details of which are yet to be released. Until then, success-starved Jayhawk fans will just have to speculate what’s in store in the future, while enjoying a respectable stadium built long ago. Food & Beverage 3 My thought on food at college football games is that if you’re waiting to eat until you get inside the stadium, you’re doing it wrong. I promise that at almost every stadium in the country, there is better food being cooked by amateurs in the parking lot then there is at the long-lined concession shacks inside the gates. And this is certainly true when seeing a Jayhawks game at Memorial Stadium. That being said, Memorial Stadium has a lot of options for the fan who missed tailgating. Hot dogs, nachos, and pizza can be had at several spots in the concourse, but more importantly there are a lot of local restaurants that have set up shop within the arched walls of the stadium. Salty Iguana, a local Mexican food chain, serves several types of burritos and tacos. Biggs BBQ serves pulled pork sandwiches. You can even buy cookies and caramel apples from some mom-and-pop places in town. Memorial Stadium serves Coke products, and does not serve alcohol, except in suite seats. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere at Memorial Stadium can best be described as pessimistic. This is a fan base that 5-6 years ago was watching a perennial bowl team, an Orange Bowl champion level team with a QB that was a dark horse candidate for the Heisman (seriously, Todd Reesing was amazing). Then, coach Mark Mangino was accused of player mistreatment, the AD at the time wanted someone new, and two bad hires and an interim coach later Kansas fans are saddled with a football team that’s won two conference games in four seasons. Even with a historically bad team, the area surrounding the stadium is festive. The unofficial slogan is, “Win or lose, we’ll still booze.” All the parking lots around the stadium are full of tailgaters hours before game time, although the absolute lack of RVs would be off-putting to any SEC fan. White tents are erected all the way up Campanile Hill, a green area on the south side of the stadium. The great thing about tailgating here is that one can see inside the open end of Memorial Stadium, and theoretically be able to watch the game from outside the stands. A larger HD screen now blocks much of the view, but on any given Saturday one can still find fans who spend the entirety of the game on the hill, enjoying the day with family and friends while their dogs chase rubber footballs on the lawn. Neighborhood 5 The stadium itself is set at the bottom of Campanile Hill, just off Jayhawk Boulevard, the main street of campus. Across the street from campus and the stadium are several blocks of old “student ghetto” houses that undergrads live and party in, especially on game days. I can say from first-hand experience that at many of these student tailgates five kegs can be drained before kickoff. The lawns of these homes are full of parked cars, their drivers having paid a entrepreneurial undergrad who undoubtedly puts that money into the keg fund. There are a few college bars within walking walking distance of the stadium, most notably The Wheel, which has been around for generations, and also The Nest, an outdoor bar on the top of The Oread hotel. From The Nest, patrons can watch the stands fill up at Memorial Stadium, although they rise so high it’s impossible to see the action on the field. About a mile east of Memorial Stadium is Massachusetts Street (“Mass Street”), the heart of downtown Lawrence, named for the origin of the abolitionist founders of the town. If it wasn’t already apparent, Mass Street makes it obvious that Lawrence is the perfect college town. Dozens of local restaurants (don’t miss The Burger Stand at The Casbah), bars (The Sandbar features an “indoor hurricane” a couple times a night), and boutique stores (get your KU gear at Jock’s Nitch) are nestled in between concert venues and independent theatres. On game days, the sidewalks are smothered in crimson and blue clad fans killing time before kickoff, but even on non-football days it’s a great place to spend a few hours shopping, dining, or, of course, drinking. Oh, try to get a reservation at Free State Brewing Company, the first legal brewery in the state of Kansas. Fans 3 This is a basketball-loving fan base, no ifs, ands or buts. However, they will support even a mediocre football team with sell-out crowds. The largest crowd in Memorial Stadium history was a season opening game against Northern Colorado in 2009, and that was following a year in which the team won the Insight Bowl, a game that doesn’t even exist anymore. Any little bit of success is appreciated, as evidenced by the goal post destruction following their win over 2-7 Iowa State. Laugh if you want, but these fans have (mostly) shown up to support a team that’s given them very little to cheer for. Average attendance is around 35,000, not bad for a stadium that holds roughly 50,000. If their next coach gives them a team to be proud of, expect these fans to be filling the house as early as the 2015 season. Access 4 Do not buy a ticket to a KU game prior to arriving, because more than likely you can find someone giving them away before game time. I have seen the athletics department offer tickets on Groupon for $15, which is still more than you should expect to pay. There is plenty of pay-parking in the front and back yards of houses near the stadium, but if you don’t mind walking you can likely find a street spot within half a mile, even if you arrive an hour or less before kick-off. Return on Investment 3 The investment is minimal, and the product is probably better than what you would expect. The stadium is cool, historic, and scenic. It’s right off campus and near enough to downtown that you could take a walk through both before the game and still have time to tailgate. The atmosphere around the stadium is not what you would expect for a historically bad team, but the crowd inside the game is. Fans of Oklahoma, or Baylor, or the other good teams in the Big 12 should certainly make it up for a game in Lawrence, because it will cost basically nothing and they can see their team whoop up on the dregs of the conference. And after the game there are plenty of fun bars and restaurants to visit, in one of the nation’s best college towns. Extras 4 People like to knock Kansas for being flatter than a pancake, tornadoes, and the Wizard of Oz, but a day in Lawrence at a KU football game should give any visitor something else to remember about the Sunflower State. Lawrence is anything but flat, and the views from the top of Mount Oread (the hill on which campus was built) down to Memorial Stadium, and northeast to Mass Street are really something. For an even better perch, don’t miss the vista from The Nest bar in the Oread Hotel. In the Fall, the weather is normally crisp and sunny, and thoughts of tornadoes will slip from your mind, pushed out by the gentle prairie winds. The only “ruby red slippers” you might see someone wearing are crimson cowboy boots with Jayhawks embroidered on them, and everyone knows the Wizard is men’s basketball coach, Bill Self. There’s a joke in there somewhere about the football team playing like a tin-man (no heart) or lion (cowardly), but the Memorial Stadium experience is about more than football. It’s about Kansans and guests taking a day of rest from their jobs in the fields or in an office, and spending that time together, socializing, empathizing, and fraternizing outside a coliseum that has stood for nearly a century, and will for many more decades to come.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.86 Husky Stadium 3800 Montlake Blvd NE Seattle, WA 98105 Washington Huskies website Husky Stadium website Year Opened: 1920 Capacity: 70,083 Loud and Purple on the Lake Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium opened in 1920, and currently has a capacity of 70,083. The U-shaped stadium overlooks Lake Washington, and is one of a few college football stadiums that is accessible by water; the UW crew team even offers ferry service to “sailgaters” to get them from their boats to the game. The venue recently underwent a $280 million renovation, which included new seating, removal of the track that used to surround the field, and new concessions and bathrooms throughout. Husky Stadium is notable for several reasons, including hosting speeches for several US presidents, as well as hosting multiple NFL games. More impressively, the wave is said to have originated here back in the fall of 1981 (credit is shared between a former band director, yell leader, and trumpet player).But perhaps most important of all is that Husky Stadium is officially recognized as the loudest college football stadium in the nation, thanks in part to cantilevered metal roofs above each sideline that trap the noise inside. During a 1992 game versus Nebraska, ESPN recorded a noise level of 133.6 decibels, the highest ever recorded for college football. Food & Beverage 5 Husky Stadium offers lots of variety from its many concessions stands, including local favorites like fish ‘n chips. Each stand offers a different mix of items, so feel free to walk around until you see something that catches your eye; the lines are never long, and there are selections available for any price point. Main dishes include several types of hot dogs, including one with kielbasa as well as one that comes with Poutine toppings. Husky Stadium also has burgers, meatball subs, salads, hummus wraps and chicken wraps, fish ‘n chips, chicken strips, chowder, nachos, and something called Montlake Mess (akin to 7-layer dip but with only 4 layers). Other food selections offered are peanuts, popcorn, pretzels, Poutine, and fries (regular or garlic), plus Cracker Jack, boxed candy, cotton candy, 2 flavors of churros, kettle corn, cupcakes, and Dippin’ Dots. Food items range from $4 for the smallest items to around $11 for some of the combos. Drink options include all of the usual suspects, namely Coke products in bottles or from the fountain, bottled water, hot cocoa, fresh-squeezed or frozen lemonade, and Starbucks coffee. One other great feature though is that Husky Stadium has “Hydration Stations” all over the concourse, where fans can fill water bottles, so you don’t necessarily have to purchase any beverages while inside. Beer and wine is available inside the stadium, especially in “The Zone,” a beer garden on the east side of the stadium. Atmosphere 5 Husky Stadium is an amazing venue for college football. There is lots of energy, the setting is beautiful, and the facility has lots of great amenities. Husky Stadium has a lot of great Husky décor, including a Husky statue out front (west end zone), signage commemorating former players and coaches inside, intimidating images of Huskies looking you right in the eyes, and loads of purple. Perhaps the most stunning piece is the shimmering, glittering “W” under the stands as you enter from the south side; all of these great add-ons really enhance the experience here. The stadium has seating on all 4 sides, and all of the seats have chair backs; most of the seats are aluminum benches with chair back rails, but there are a small number of bucket-style (purple) seats in the center of the south sideline. One of the coolest features here, however, is that Husky Stadium actually sits on Lake Washington, and you can see the lake from inside the stadium, behind the east end zone. The lakeside setting creates a wonderful atmosphere, especially with all of the greenery here, and adds to an already enjoyable experience. See a view of the lake from inside the stadium here: The stands on both the north and south sides have overhangs, which help keep the noise trapped inside. This creates a lot of crowd energy, but the noise is not overwhelming, so you can feel all the excitement of college football without being deafened by it. And as a further bonus, the overhangs also mean that the upper deck seats on those sides are protected from rain, which Seattle has a lot of. The band and mascot at Husky Stadium really help add to the energy as well. The band sits near the front of the west end zone, and you can see the band members moving and gyrating throughout the game, while playing popular music as well as classic football songs. You will also see the mascot, usually near that same end zone, pumping his fists after a great play, or strutting back and forth, waving his paws to rev up the crowd. Neighborhood 5 Husky Stadium is located 3 or 4 miles northeast of downtown Seattle, so if you come in for the day or the weekend you won’t be far from everything the city has to offer. The most well-known attractions are of course the Space Needle and Pike Place Fish Market, both of which are worth visiting if you have time. Seattle also has plenty of great restaurants, but if you are looking for something closer to the stadium, try either Schultzy’s Bar & Grill or Big Time Brewery and Alehouse, both of which are next door to UW’s campus, less than a mile from the stadium. Known as Seattle’s “wurst” restaurant, Schultzy’s features house-made wurst plus burgers and cheesesteak, as well as 9 beers on tap that rotate daily, while Big Time is your more typical brewpub that offers pizza and subs, with lots of beers on tap, plus wine and several ciders. There are plenty of hotels in the Seattle area, but the ones downtown are of course on the pricier side. Ye College Inn is the closest to Husky Stadium, and has rates under $100 per night, but there are also 2 Staypineapple properties not much further away (University Inn and Watertown Hotel), which cost a little more but are a bit nicer. There is also a Travelodge not far from the stadium, which offers cheap rates with no frills. Fans 4 Fans at Husky Stadium are very loud, and this is enhanced even more by the overhangs on each sideline, which help trap the noise inside. You will see many, many fans wearing purple, and almost all wear caps, as one of their traditions (besides “woofing” a lot) is waving their caps in unison right before kickoff; seeing 70K+ fans waving their caps simultaneously is really a sight to behold. See the video below: Besides the cheering, another sound you will hear throughout the game are the fans “woofing;” not barking exactly, but more of a low “woof” intended to mimic the sound a real Husky would make. You will hear this sound during most of the game, usually following big plays on either offense or defense. The only disappointment from the fan perspective is that a lot of them leave early, even during a win. Early in the fourth quarter you may see the stands begin to empty, so by the end of the game they are only half to two-thirds full. On the plus side, if you want to get into the Husky spirit with some gear of your own, they have a full size team store inside Husky Stadium (west end zone) and small fan gear kiosks all over the stadium, so lines are never long. Access 4 There are so many ways to get to Husky Stadium – you can get here by car, bus, light rail, on foot, or even by water. There are light rail and bus stops right next to the stadium, and these are actually your best options; the stadium is surrounded by other UW athletic fields, so even the closest parking is many blocks away. Parking ranges from $10 to $40 depending on how close you want to get. There are plenty of concessions stands, as well as hydration stations and fan gear kiosks all over the place, so lines are never very long. There are also plenty of bathrooms, so it is very easy to find what you need. In addition, Husky Stadium has main gates on each of the three sides, so getting in and out is never a problem. The only downside in terms of access is the post-game traffic; local law enforcement does a great job moving people out after the game, but there are lots of cars, and the cops seem to block access going south, so if you are trying to get to the 520 bridge across the water, you’ll have to go all the way over to I-5 and double back. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Husky football games start around $60, which is in line with prices at other major college football venues, as are concessions prices. Parking is probably a little on the high side, unless you want to walk a long way, but then again you can come by train or bus and not even have to deal with traffic. That said, the experience here is definitely worth it.Being able to visit the loudest college football stadium in America, right on the lake, and take in all of the terrific amenities like the Husky décor, comfortable seats, and great crowd is an experience that should not be missed. Extras 5 The lakeside setting is a definite plus, as are the multiple ways to get here. It is also really cool to be in the stadium that ESPN says is officially the loudest one there is. The décor and signage all around the stadium is great to see, especially the Husky statue out front, which people seem to love to snap selfies with. And finally, seeing all of the caps waving in unison before every kickoff is awesome to behold, and even more fun to be a part of, so bring your lid! Final Thoughts There are lots of college football stadiums, but a trip to Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA should definitely be on every fan’s bucket list. It is hard to top the setting and the energy here, and since the Huskies play in the Pac-12, there are always some big name teams coming to town. Furthermore, the recent renovations have added all the bells and whistles you could possibly want, so you are guaranteed a great experience; make plans to visit Husky Stadium today.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Joe Baumann Stadium 900 Block E Poe Roswell, NM 88201 Roswell Invaders website Joe Bauman Stadium website Year Opened: 1939 Renovated: 2005 Capacity: 410 Alien Baseball The cleverly named Roswell Invaders baseball team plays their home game at Joe Bauman Stadium in Roswell, NM. The Invaders are charter members of the independent Pecos League of Professional Baseball. Both the team and the league were founded in 2011. The Invaders have been successful, winning the Pecos League Championships in 2011, 2013, and 2015. Joe Bauman Stadium Coca Cola Field (locals refer to it as Coca Cola Field – no dash). The stadium is named after Joe Bauman, who set a professional record with 72 home runs in 1954 while playing for the Roswell Rockets of the Class-C Longhorn League. It is adjacent to the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds about 2 ½ miles south of downtown Roswell. Originally built in 1939, the city renovated the stadium’s grandstand in 2005. Though seating capacity is somewhat smaller than other Pecos League ballparks, the stadium fits well in Roswell and for the Invaders. The field is shared with the Roswell High School baseball team. Food & Beverage 3 One concession stand sits beneath the announcer and official team office directly behind the home plate grandstand. It offers basic snacks like burritos, nachos, hot dogs, Frito pie, and pizza ($4 – $5). Other goodies sold are chips, ice pops, seeds, and candy for $2. Bottled water and beverages are $2 or $3. Adult beverages include 7K IPA (Santa Fe Brewing), Big Luau Cider (Black Cock Brewery), Cerveza Lager, and Electric Igloo Lemonade all $6 for 16 oz. The stand closes early; so get your food at least before the 5th inning. Fans can bring in their own sodas and snacks. Atmosphere 3 An Invaders game provides a low-key, local, welcoming impression where the focus is still more on the game than other extra activities. For seating, be sure to bring a cushion to sit on as all seats are bleachers. Three sets of bleachers line the infield. These were rebuilt in 2005. The section behind the home plate has backs, handrails, and wheelchair spots. The two on each side of the infield diamond are just benches. Some fans bring their own portable chairs for a more comfortable seat. Thick nets cover all three seating areas. The sun sets behind the grandstand so is not really a factor when deciding where to sit. Game day staff plays music, sometimes (but not all the time) deafening load. So your ear drums don’t get ruptured, sit on either of the side bleacher sections as those are farther from the speakers. Theme songs from the X Files and other extraterrestrial TV shows and movies are aptly disbursed throughout the innings. Walk-up songs are played for the Invaders. Thankfully, the person in charge of music does not play noise or music between pitches; just between innings. And, for the most part, music isn’t played when the announcer is speaking. The PA announcer’s voice is clear. He calls the starting lineup slowly – slow enough for fans to keep up writing out their own scorecard. Nice job. Roster sheets are not available to the general public. The field causes lots of skips and hops of the ball in the infield. Dust rises off gloves and at plates during plays. The scoreboard rests behind the center-right field wall. It shows the basic line score, runs, hits, and errors. Activities involving fans are offered between innings but not the game of this review. Note: Some Pecos League games can be long. The game Stadium Journey attended lasted 4 ½ hours for nine innings of play. It was so long, the sprinkler system automatically came on and individuals had to run and find the shut off valve. Actually, that was pretty funny. Neighborhood 3 Roswell got its name on the map because of an alleged 1947 UFO crash on a ranch outside the town and the follow up conspiracy. Therefore, much of the downtown businesses focus on UFOs and space aliens. A UFO Festival generally takes place around July 4 in Roswell, so fans can check out the festival and see a game if the schedule allows. The most popular destination is the UFO Museum and Research Center. Next is a short, fun, black light walk-through of alien art work; a spacewalk of sorts called Roswell UFO Spacewalk. Visit the McDonalds, shaped like a spaceship with a space-themed interior. Take a few minutes to visit the Visitors Center in town. It’s a worthy resource center on things to see and do. Peppers Grill and Bar is a recommended place for food and drinks and is just a block from the Visitors Center. Los Cerritos Mexican Kitchen comes highly recommended and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plenty of hotels of various brands line Main St. I stayed at the Baymont Suites and though not walking distance, it is cheap, clean and safe. All of the activities and ‘things to do’ are less than five miles driving distance to/from the ballpark. Fans 3 The Roswell Invaders fans are welcoming and friendly. Families, children, host families, retirees, parents, and more make up the crowd. There is not a lot of them. A few fans ring cowbells when the team makes a good play. Many attendees seem to know each other. Most wear Invaders gear and clothing. They throw out their own trash, not often seen at ballparks. Access 3 Once in town, getting to the ballpark is not difficult. Use Roe Rd off S Main St. The ballpark and a hard-dirt parking lot are on the right. Parking is free. After parking, enter the grounds through an open fence; a small ticket booth is on the right. A paved path leads to the stands and a wide promenade is between the bleachers and the infield wall making it easy to move around. Cement block restrooms are serviceable but I wouldn’t call them nice, though they are clean. Roswell has a small airport (Roswell Air Center) with a limited number of flights in and out of Dallas/Ft Worth and Phoenix. A local bus service is available but it looks like transit times are not conducive to the baseball schedule. Return on Investment 3 A single game ticket is $7.50. Group events offer lower priced tickets. Parking is free and the concession prices are quite reasonable. Extras 3 Several other items are worth noting: A hard copy ticket with the Roswell Invaders logo on it is still given out. The team uses lime green bases for first, second, and third. Pretty cool in keeping with the alien theme. The players interact well with the crowd and in the community. Two members greet fans as they enter the stadium. They walk the stands chatting with visitors and selling raffle tickets for an autographed bat (per se). The players participate in events like a car wash where proceeds are split with the Special Olympics. Final Thoughts If in Roswell, NM visiting UFO and alien-related items during June and July, make an effort to head to Joe Bauman Stadium to catch a relaxed, entertaining baseball game.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 AutoZone Park 200 Union Ave Memphis, TN 38103 Memphis Redbirds website AutoZone Park website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 14,320 Baseballs & Blues Downtown Memphis is home to the Memphis Redbirds, the AAA affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals since the team’s inception in 1998. After playing their first two seasons in Tim McCarver Stadium the Redbirds moved to their current home, AutoZone Park. The stadium cost $80.5 Million to build which was the most expensive minor league stadium to be built at the time. It was built in a way that it could be expanded in the event Memphis received a major league team. The Redbirds moved to the International League in 2021 after playing in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) since their inception. The Redbirds won four titles in the PCL, last winning the league in 2018. Memphis also won the AAA national championship game that same season. The Redbirds have a rivalry with the Nashville Sounds, even having an official “I-40 Cup Series” from 2012-2015. Food & Beverage 4 AutoZone Park offers several concession stands throughout the stadium. The “American Dog” stand sells a variety of hot dogs with options including a Jumbo Hot Dog ($5.50), Veggie Dog ($5.50), or a Memphis Dog ($8). This stand (as well as the other stands) sells pretzels ($6.50), popcorn ($7.50), peanuts ($5.50), cracker jacks ($5.25), & candy ($5.25). Coca-Cola branded soft drinks are offered at the ballpark with small drinks ($5.25), large drinks ($7) & “Zen” bottled water ($6) sold at “American Dog”. Domestic ($10.25) and premium ($12.25) beers are also offered at this stand. The “Farm and Foul” stand offers a Cheeseburger basket with fries ($8), double cheeseburger basket ($10.50), single cheeseburger drink combo ($12), chicken sandwich basket ($13), chicken tender basket ($12.50), black bean burger basket ($10), & a footlong corndog ($5.50). Pizzas are sold at “Slice of Memphis” with a slice ($6.50) or a whole pizza ($48) on offer. Over at the “World Famous BBQ Nachos” stand are ballpark nachos ($6.50), Rendezvous BBQ nachos ($16), sausage & cheese plate ($13.50), & funnel cakes ($8). “Nachos 901” sells souvenir BBQ nachos ($15), chili & cheese nachos ($12), and a BBQ pork sandwich with chips & coleslaw ($10.50). Finally the “Sweet Treats” stand offers ice cream cups ($6.50), ice cream cones ($7.50), typhoon root beer float ($8.25), mini melts ($6.50), Oatley ice cream bar ($6), & churros ($6). There are various food carts around the concourse to supplement the concession stands. The “Fry Cart” sells loaded fries with cheese ($8), chili & cheese ($10.50), and BBQ fries ($9.50). An “Icee Cart” offers an Icee Cup ($5.75), Frozen Icee ($8.50), ice cream bars ($5), and an Icee cookie ($4.75). The quesadilla stand sells quesadillas with cheese ($8), steak ($10.50), and chicken ($11.50). The “Memphis Hot Dog & Sausage” cart offers smoked sausage ($8), brats ($8), and fried bologna ($9). There is also a draft beer cart that sells beers and Jell-O shots ($3.50). Atmosphere 4 At the main entrance of the ballpark is a “AUTOZONE PARK” sign with an LED display that promotes upcoming events. That sign welcomes you into the fan plaza with metal plates that resemble ball players. Upon entering the venue the team store will be on the right. The concourse is open to the field throughout the entire ballpark so that you are not missing any game action while getting concessions. There are also several monitors showing the game throughout the concourse. The reserved seats are split into two levels with the vast majority being in the lower level. They are all chair backs and are close to the action no matter where you are sitting. The upper level has club seats that provide the best view of the entire ballpark. In right field is a large scoreboard where fireworks are released during the national anthem. There is another scoreboard in the left-field fence that shows scores from other games. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Redbirds offer inflatables and face painting out by left field for kids to enjoy. On “Throwback Thursdays” $2 beers and $1 hot dogs are offered and the players wear “Memphis Chicks” jerseys which are a callback to the Memphis Chicks team that was a staple in Memphis until 1960. The Redbirds put on a postgame firework display on Saturdays while kids can get a free ice cream sandwich and run the bases after games on Sundays. Neighborhood 5 There are a couple of great BBQ places next to AutoZone Park including Smurfey’s Smokehouse & Charlie Vergos Rendezvous. AutoZone Park is located near Beale Street, one of the most popular tourist spots in the United States. Beale Street is famous for its Blues clubs such as BB King’s & Blues City Cafe. Other restaurants include Silky O’ Sullivan’s for Irish fare, Dyer’s Burgers, & Flying Fish for seafood. There are several museums within walking distance of AutoZone Park including the Cotton Museum, Memphis Rock n’ Soul Museum, & the Withers Collection Museum and Gallery. The ballpark is also within walking distance from FedEx Forum, home of the NBA’s Grizzlies. Lodging options within walking distance include Hotel Indigo, DoubleTree, & Hotel Napoleon. Fans 3 Professional baseball has been a staple in Memphis since 1877 as Memphis has been home to many teams over the years. They were notably the home of the “Chicks” from 1912-1960 and the Redbirds honor that legacy by occasionally playing games with the “Chicks” nickname. Baseball fandom from the Chicks days has seemingly carried over to the Redbirds. During breaks in the game, an emcee is keeping the fans entertained. The scoreboard will also have various fan cams and other activities for fan interaction. Redbird fans have friendly banter with fans of opposing teams with games against the Nashville Sounds bringing out the most of Redbird fandom. Access 5 AutoZone Park is located in downtown Memphis not far from Beale Street and FedEx Forum. From I-55 North, take Exit 6B onto I-69 & merge off at Exit 30. Stay on the left and turn onto Highway 51 which becomes Union Street. Keep driving until AutoZone Park is on your right. From I-40 West, turn off at exit 1C and onto Highway 51 before making a right on Union Street & AutoZone Park will come up quickly on the right. From I-40 East, turn off on exit 1 after entering Tennessee and make a right on Riverside Drive. Turn left on Union Street and AutoZone Park will be on the left. Memphis offers a trolley car line that has a stop next to AutoZone Park. The trolley costs $2 for a day pass and has stops throughout downtown Memphis. Most hotels downtown and several attractions should be within walking distance of a trolley stop. There are several parking garages around the ballpark with the Redbirds endorsed ones costing about $20 to park. There is plenty of street parking within walking distance which goes for $1.50/hour until 10 pm Mondays-Saturdays. There are several gates at the main entrance of the ballpark and there is plenty of space in the fan plaza. Once inside the stadium, the concourse is wide enough to walk around easily. There are plenty of concession stands that are spread out throughout the concourse which keeps lines at a minimum. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $13 for general admission berm seats in the outfield. Reserved seats go for between $22-$28 depending on the view of the seat. Finally, club seats with food & drinks included cost $80. There is a $2 surcharge for games on Fridays - Sundays. If one person buys a general admission ticket to a weeknight game, parks on the street, and grabs some concessions about $35 will be spent. This is $60 for a date & a touch over $100 for a family night out. Extras 4 The venue hosted the 2003 AAA All-Star Game as well as the 2016 & 2019 AAA national championship games. AutoZone Park also hosted exhibition MLB games in 2007 & 2008. AutoZone Park is also the home of Memphis 901 FC, a professional soccer team that competes in the USL Championship. AutoZone Park is a popular stop for outdoor concerts in Memphis. Final Thoughts AutoZone Park was an expensive state-of-the-art stadium when it opened at the turn of the millennium. That may have been a good investment as the venue is still a great place to spend an evening in Memphis.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Rogers Park Field 101 Memorial Blvd. Danbury, CT 06810 Danbury Westerners website Rogers Park website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 2,500 Rogers Park, Home of the Westerners Rogers Park is a multi-use community park in the small city of Danbury, CT. It contains 6 baseball fields, 4 softball fields, a multi-purpose turf field, tennis courts, handball courts, volleyball courts, a nature trail, and a recreation building which houses many additional activities. Since 1995 the main ball field has served as home to the Danbury Westerners of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. The Westerners, the oldest active team in the NECBL, are still waiting for their first league title, having lost in the finals four times. Food & Beverage 2 The Westerners operate a small snack bar behind home plate, where hungry fans can purchase grilled items such as hamburgers ($3.00), chicken sandwiches ($4.00), and hot dogs ($2.00). Peanuts ($3.00) and assorted snacks ($1.00) are available for fans looking for snack options. Cans of Pepsi products are sold for one dollar, but I recommend sodas from the local company Dead Red, which offers several flavors with a Westerners theme for two dollars a bottle. An enterprising ice cream truck parks near the ballpark and makes a killing with the children in attendance. There is a table located outside the snack bar selling a variety of t-shirts, sweats, and hats, along with a few novelty items. Fans can even purchase cowboy hats if they so desire. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere is generally what you would expect at this level of baseball, especially when the crowd averages about 300 fans. It’s a laid-back, low-key game day experience at Rogers Park, where the game is the main attraction. The team does hold a couple of between inning contests for the kids, but the extras here can hardly be considered intrusive. It makes for a comfortable baseball experience for families. There is plenty of room for kids to roam, let off some steam, and chase foul balls. Neighborhood 2 Rogers Park is an impressive facility, with several ball fields capable of hosting diverse sports such as soccer, volleyball, and tennis. A short distance away is downtown Danbury, which appears like a nice place to explore during the daytime, with a mix of small shops and restaurants. After the game the area seems a little dark and deserted, with the majority of the businesses closed for the evening. Visitors to Danbury can find some good places to eat in the area. Fans of the chicken wing should seek out TK’s American Café, which features over 50 different flavors. Fans 2 Danbury consistently ranks in the lower half of the NECBL in terms of attendance, and the fans at Rogers Park are similar to what you see in other summer collegiate parks. There is a mix of families and locals. A great percentage of the crowd here at Rogers Park seems to have some connection with the team, either as host families or team volunteers. Access 3 The city of Danbury is located in southwestern Connecticut near the New York State line. New York City is located about 70 miles to the southwest, and Hartford is located 60 miles to the northeast. The Connecticut coastal cities of New Haven and Bridgeport are about 30 miles to the south. The easiest way to drive to Danbury is to take Interstate 84, which passes right through Danbury about 3 miles from Rogers Park. The easiest way to get to Rogers Park is to take Route 53, also known as Main St. Take exit 5 off of I-84, and simply follow it straight to the entrance of the Rogers Park complex. The field the Westerners use will appear immediately on your right. Fans requiring public transportation to arrive in Danbury will likely take commuter rails from southern Connecticut and New York. The Housatonic Area Regional Transit System (HART) provides bus service throughout the city. Still, driving is the easiest and preferred method to arrive at Rogers Park. Once you arrive at the ballpark, you can either park on the street beyond the outfield fence, or follow some side roads to a small lot located behind the field. Either way, you have just a short walk to get to the seating areas. Some fans simply set up shop on the street near their cars and avoid the admission charge while watching the action through the chain link fence. Fans wishing to enter the ballpark proper will have their choice of several sets of bleachers. The main set of bleachers is located on the third base side and has a press box atop it. There is an additional set of bleachers behind home plate, and a third, small set of bleachers on the first base side. Fans wishing to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets to set up will find ample room down either foul line. Bathrooms are located in the adjacent rec. center, which closes at 9 nightly. If you need facilities after then, there are some port-a-johns behind the field. Fans should remember to step carefully, as there are no paved sidewalks or landscaped areas here. Access to all areas of Rogers Park is across grass and uneven ground. Return on Investment 3 Admission to a Westerners game will cost you $5, and parking is free either on the local streets or in a small lot behind the ball field. Some fans choose to skip the admission fee and camp out with their cars on adjacent Memorial Drive, watching the action through the outfield fence. Factor in inexpensive food prices, and a night at a Westerners game will not break the bank. Extras 2 One extra point is awarded for dedication to the whole “Westerners” theme. Danbury Connecticut can hardly be confused with the Wild West, but it is just about as far west as one can go and still remain in New England. Fans can even purchase a Westerners’ cowboy hat at the souvenir stand if they so desire. There aren’t a whole lot of extras to be had at any NECBL game, but the Westerners staff do hand out complimentary lineup sheets to every fan, and the team offers a 50/50 raffle along with a few giveaways from sponsors during the course of the game. Final Thoughts Rogers Park is an impressive, busy facility serving the citizens of Danbury. There are a variety of fields available for public use, and if visiting here you are sure to see a buzz of activity all around. As a venue for the NECBL, however, it’s simply a serviceable, unspectacular facility. The Westerners have had an impressive run in the NCBL, as they are approaching their 20th anniversary. Longevity aside, Rogers Park will be a destination for only the most avid ballpark chasers. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 John Thurman Field 601 Neece Dr Modesto, CA 95351 Modesto Nuts website John Thurman Field website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 4,000 Going Nuts for Baseball in Modesto The Modesto Nuts baseball team are currently the Single-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners playing in the California League. They have been affiliated with many major league teams, mostly recently the Colorado Rockies (2005 – 2016) and the Oakland Athletics (1975 – 2004). The team changed their name in 2005 from the Modesto Athletics to the Modesto Nuts when they switched affiliations to the Rockies. The name is derived from the several types of nuts that are grown in the Central Valley region of California. The Nuts play at John Thurman Field, built in 1955, which holds 4,000 fans for baseball. It is owned and operated by the City of Modesto. The Nuts most recently won the California League championship in 2017. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are behind the grandstands and the seating bowl (one can’t see the field from the concession area). Except for an ice cream / treat truck (which does not remain open long if there is minimal business), the concession stands offer the same items. Based on attendance not all concession stands may be open. Lines generally are not an issue. Food choices look decent and include sausage, burgers, pulled pork, cheesesteak, quesadilla, chicken strips ($8 – $9.50). For real hungry fans try the triple play sandwich (3 meats) or the two-meat sandwich ($10). Add a soda and either French fries or onion rings for an addition $5.50- $6.50. Traditional foods like nachos, corn dogs, hot dog, pretzels, pizza, cracker jack, etc. are all available ($4 – $5). Soda runs $4.25/$5 and Snapple tea, slush puppy, bottled water, coffee and hot chocolate are the soft drinks at the concession. Beer runs $6 – $10 and includes domestic, premium, and craft brews. The concession stands not only sell the domestic beers but also the local craft brews. Wine, margarita, and hard lemonade are also for sale. A separate beer-only stand is behind home on the concourse. Atmosphere 3 The game day experience at John Thurman Field is blah but this probably depends on which game is being attended and how many fans show up. Two levels of six sections of green stadium seats are behind home – five rows then a walkway then an upper level. The lower five rows extend down the baselines. Bleachers with backs are the rest of the seating (general admission). A drink rail is scattered along the walkway. Plenty of places are available for handicapped seating. Nets span across the entire seating area causing zero net-free seats. A group-party picnic area is along the third baseline between the visiting dugout and their bullpen. Similarly, on the opposite side of the diamond is another open space, this side without picnic tables. Instead, it’s where kids tend to congregate as it is near the playground ($5) and the Nuts’ bullpen. This area is particularly unique because the relief pitchers sit facing the field a few feet above the same paved area where people can stand and watch the game net-free. The stadium seats have average width and legroom. Zero legroom provided in bleacher sections (except the first row). And, the seats behind the dugout have exceptional room (hall of fame box seats labelled by the season ticket holders who have purchased them). A really nice video board shows up-to-date player stats, line score, and uncommon in the California League, the pitch count and pitch speed. The merchandise shop has just a few items hats, shirts, a few trinkets but no hat pins. Traditional non-intrusive minor league between inning contests, games, and trivia are provided such as name the cereal and a beer batter. All good fun. Neighborhood 2 Nothing is in the way of shopping or eating in the immediate neighborhood, John Thurman Field sits in a city park. Just beyond the outfield wall is a grove of trees hugging the diamond providing a nature look and feel. The closest neighbor to John Thurman Field is the Modesto Municipal Golf Course and it creates a nice setting. Also nearby are soccer fields, filled with pickup games and picnic areas with built-in barbecues. The closest major neighborhood is across the Tuolumne River and it is all industrial; bottling facilities, meat-packing plants, etc. A mile and a half away from the ballpark is downtown Modesto (separated by a major highway) where drinking, dining and shopping are more readily available; just a five-minute drive. Check out Surhla’s for fresh California cuisine and Raw Sushi Bistro for sushi. Commonwealth, a gastro pub, also comes recommended. For places to stay, a Double Tree is less than 2 miles from the ballpark. A Best Western and a Motel 6 are also in that same area downtown. For things to do if staying in the area, check out E & J Gallo Winery or McHenry Museum and Mansion. Other sports teams somewhat nearby during baseball season are the Stockton Ports (about a 40 min drive) or maybe take a drive down to Fresno and visit Chukchansi Park (about an hour ½ drive). Fans 3 The Nuts are struggling with attendance. So few fans were at the game of this review one could hear conversations on the field and personal conversations in the stands. The average attendance the last few seasons has been a tad above 2,000 per game putting them close to the bottom in the California League. Those that are there do appreciate the game and applaud good plays. Access 3 Getting to the park is not too difficult as it is less than ½ mile off Highway 99. It is $6 to park, cash only. No public transportation to the ballpark is available. Two entry gates are on the first and third base side. The concourse is attractively wide, plenty of handicapped access and seating is available. Buying game day tickets and security access is effortless. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range from $9 – $15. AAA members should remember to ask for a discount when purchasing a ticket. The parking price seems to be about what is expected in the California League. And, concessions seem to be on par with other stadiums in the league. The Nuts do offer specials throughout the week like Wiener Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursdays. It’s an affordable way to spend a summer evening out. Extras 3 The starting lineup for the Nuts is photos posted on concourse wall, another unique feature at the ballparks. The concourse is attractively landscaped. Two numbers are retired above the right field wall: 1, for former owner Fred Anderson who funded much of the renovations; and 26, for former Oakland Athletic and Modesto native Joe Rudi. Lastly, the uniqueness of the home bullpen location truly should be considered an “extra.” Final Thoughts The Modesto Nuts at John Thurman Field provide a traditional minor league baseball experience and one families should take advantage. It’s pretty bare bones but the fans that attend do have a pleasant summer evening out. Here’s hoping more fans will stop by and enjoy a game in the future.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Camelback Ranch 10710 W Camelback Rd Phoenix, AZ 85037 Chicago White Sox Spring Training website Camelback Ranch website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 13,000 Southside in AZ The Chicago White Sox have had their spring training in Arizona since 1998. Prior to that, they played their spring ball in Tampa and Sarasota, FL (1954 – 1997) and a whole slew of different cities across the U.S. since 1901. Since 2009, they have shared their picturesque spring home, Camelback Ranch in Glendale, AZ, with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The design and architecture of the stadium fit in well in its desert home. Natural materials like stone retaining walls, real stone veneer, and metal ‘rusty’ pillars are used to blend into the desert landscape. The stadium seats are an unconventional gold or caramel color which help enhance the natural look. Food & Beverage 4 Camelback Ranch offers plenty of food, snack, and drink choices throughout the venue at expected high stadium costs. It has your Dodger Dog and Chicago Vienna beef hot dogs and more. Fans gravitate to the Four Peaks Patio Bar down the first base concourse. Four Peaks was once an independent local brewery, now owned by Anheuser-Busch. The patio has tables, chairs, a huge bar selling brews and cocktails, and is shaded. In the same area, the Baseline Sausage Grill sells its tantalizing foot-long Sonoran dogs, bratwurst, and Italian sausages. Another popular food choice is the cleverly named Wok Off Noodles, also on the first base side. Double Play Deli & Pizza (just inside the home plate entrance) sells pizza, Dodgers Dogs, Vienna beef dogs, chicken tenders and wraps, and assorted snacks. It has a decent selection of beers on tap, including Hazy Little IPA. Several kiosks dot the concourse selling all varieties of beer, margaritas, walking tacos, tostilotes, lemonade, ice cream, popcorn, kettle corn, and more. Pepsi is the soda provider at Camelback Ranch. Expect to miss a half-inning or two when getting concessions during the game. The queues are long. Atmosphere 4 Watching a Chicago White Sox spring training game on a warm Arizona afternoon or evening is a laid-back affair, perfect for spring games. The White Sox side of the venue is the first base side, while the Dodgers utilize the third base side. Twenty-two rows of gold-colored seats furnish the seating bowl from foul pole to foul pole. Berm seating is in the outfield; an all-you-can-eat Bullpen Patio Deck is in left field above the Dodgers bullpen. A medium-thick net extends all the way down the baselines. The first base side gets the shade first as does the higher-numbered rows (16+). Free-standing shelters help over the first base side seats from the sun. Sit on the third base side for afternoon games if you want the sun. The third base side is also away from many of the speakers. The music volume is okay but music is played over announcements and the starting lineup. Boo. The music person sometimes plays those irritating music snippets like the Addams Family and Everybody Clap Your Hands between pitches. Ugh. It’s not between every pitch but is annoyingly noticeable when played. Save it for between batters or half-innings. The scoreboard has a beautiful view of mountains behind it, best seen from the third base side. The scoreboard is easy to read and shows the lineup, the photo of the player at bat (if they have it), the batter’s name and previous at-bat results, and the line score. It shows yellow dots for balls, strikes, outs, and runs in blue. Camelback Ranch Scoreboard, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The venue has a nice wide-open concourse that encircles the entire field. Lush pine trees and other shrubbery decorate the batter’s eye. The right field bullpen has eleven retired Chicago White Sox’ and Jackie Robinson’s numbers posted on its wall. Neighborhood 3 Camelback Ranch is in a very residential area. No choices for lunch, dinner, and other entertainment are available within walking distance. Three miles away is the Westgate Entertainment District. It has many restaurants, all of which are very different from each other in price and menu. A lot of different shops and boutiques, a movie theater, a pottery painting studio, arcades, and breweries are part of the amenities in the district. Places in the district for a pre-game meal or drink include Yard House, State 48 Funk House Brewery, Fat Tuesdays, and McFaddens. Be sure to check their website for happy hour specials; some of the restaurants do not include a happy hour on event days or weekends. First Watch (breakfast/lunch), Manna Korean BBQ, Opa Life (Greek), and Salt Tacos y Tequila are just a few other worthwhile places to eat. I always enjoy Yard House, which has a fabulous beer selection and good food; this one has outdoor seating for those comfortable spring Arizona days and evenings. For something a bit more unique, head to historic downtown Glendale for some culture, shopping, and dining. The historic district is about eight miles from the ballpark. Several hotels are in the Westgate Entertainment District. The closest hotel to the ballpark is the Comfort Suites Glendale – State Farm Stadium , about two and a half miles from the home plate entrance. Hotel rates double during spring training, so keep that in mind when making travel arrangements. Other nearby sports to see in February and March include the Peoria Sports Complex ( Mariners and Padres spring training), Surprise Stadium ( Rangers and Royals spring training), and Goodyear Ballpark ( Guardians and Reds spring training). And, if looking to go downtown Phoenix, sports fans can usually catch an NBA Suns game when in town. Fans 4 Fans are friendly and eager for a laugh and to strike up a conversation. You’ll see fans with Podsednik jerseys and other fans with White Sox shirts and hats. White Sox Fan, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Loads of fans don’t really pay attention to the game and get up and leave their seats when a player is at bat or a good defensive play is in motion. This is common in many spring training stadiums. For the most part, fans here throw away their own garbage; but not everyone does, so you’ll still be walking over peanut shells and tripping over empty water bottles and snack trays. It’s a relaxed atmosphere, and fans are out for a lovely day in the sun while watching a baseball game. Access 3 Getting to the stadium is most conveniently done by vehicle (unless you’re a nearby neighbor and can walk). Valley Metro does provide bus service. The stop is 1.1 miles from the stadium, so there’s still some walking involved if taking public transportation. The stadium offers a designated rideshare dropoff and pickup area. The stadium is 2 ½ miles west of the Loop 101 Agua Fria Fwy on Camelback Rd. The game day security opens four gates for spring training games. All gates open 60 min before the first pitch. Plenty of free parking is available. The staff provides g olf cart rides to transport fans who need them to and from stadium entrance gates. That’s a nice service. The stadium offers benches to sit and wait for gates to open or late arriving friends. It has a huge, clean, artfully landscaped plaza area outside the home plate entrance for fans to gather. Clear sports stadium bags 12” x 6” x 12” and small clutch bags (without a strap) are permitted. Those straps are certainly a security risk. Fans walk through metal detectors and security then searches the clear bags. Restrooms are nice and clean. My sister-in-law would approve. The concourse has four family restrooms along its path. Walking around the stadium and the wide-open concourse makes it quite an enjoyable place to stroll. Those directing traffic after the game are not helpful or friendly. No signs are available on how to get back to the 101 if you are forced to exit the parking lot a different way than you entered. Posting directional signs to the 101 would be a helpful added feature. Return on Investment 3 Like many spring training facilities, prices are no longer family-affordable. Tickets for a White Sox spring training game range from $15 - $62, depending on the date and opponent. Refreshments are expensive (fans are allowed to bring in one sealed bottle of water but that’s it). Parking is free, so that helps. Extras 4 Take a photo of yourself in front of the Frank Thomas statue along the center field concourse. Staff hands out a marvelous program upon entry which includes a score sheet and pertinent information on the stadium and the White Sox. Excellent reference! Except for the exiting traffic control individuals, every single staff member is helpful, friendly, and seems eager to make a day at the ballpark a pleasant one. Quite refreshing. The facility’s natural desert design and landscaping make this one of the more unique in the Cactus League. Final Thoughts Spring training games played this 2023 incorporated new MLB rules hoping to increase the pace of play. These rules include: Pitch timer (15 sec / 20 sec with a player on base) Bigger bases (increased by three inches) Two infielders on each side of second base at the beginning of a pitch Infielders must be on the dirt at the start of a pitch Most spring training games lasted less than three hours this 2023 season in the Cactus League so here’s hoping this year’s (2023) MLB games won’t be lasting as long as cricket matches. Camelback Ranch is a fine facility in which to watch a spring training game. Put it on your list if visiting Arizona in the spring.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 FIU Football Stadium 11200 SW 8th St Miami, FL 33199 Florida International Panthers website FIU Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 20,000 Miami’s On-Campus Football Experience Nearly 10 years removed from their short glory days with Mario Cristobal at the helm, the FIU Panthers find themselves mired in mediocrity once again. Despite jumping from the lowly Sun Belt Conference to Conference USA, FIU’s college football experience still seems a little forced. Fans show up more because they may have friends who go to FIU and they want to hang out, instead of coming to see D-I football on the field. In the past, when the fans showed up, FIU football could be exciting and energetic. Unfortunately, as with most sports teams in South Florida, they don’t show up now, especially when the team only wins a handful of games each season, and isn’t bowl eligible most of the time. FIU Stadium opened in 1995 and was gradually renovated over the years, most recently in 2012 with the addition of new concessions stands, the enclosure of the north side of the bleachers, and the addition of an upper bowl of seats. It is a stadium that most lower-tier teams would be envious of having, especially on campus. Sadly, it sits empty most days, even when games are being played on national TV. Food & Beverage 4 FIU is in the middle of a flavorful area of Miami, with great food on every corner – the fare at FIU Stadium reflects that. Prices are average and affordable, and the food is varied. From the burgers and hot dogs that are standard in sports arenas to the arepas vendors that set up on the upper concourse of the stadium, there is no shortage of food choices. Add to this various beer tap vendors around the stadium that serve both nationally known and local favorites, and you can easily find yourself something to eat at the game without breaking your bank. Currently, part of the stadium is being expanded, with new food options coming soon behind the suite elevators on the lower level. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at FIU Stadium isn’t exactly top notch, but it is improving. The fans, when they do show up, are not exactly hardcore. Many are seen arriving wearing Miami, Florida State, or Florida Gators colors. The fraternities are the biggest FIU supporters, but they only comprise so many fans. While tailgating may be decent outside, some people have been known to arrive at games to set up camp outside, and then stay down in the parking lot to watch a bigger game on their portable TVs while FIU is playing just steps away. With improved performance comes improved attendance and bigger teams to play, but ultimately FIU is a show that lacks at this time. When a high school rivalry game packs more fans into the stadium and leads to bigger roars to be heard than the college that plays there on a regular basis, it’s hard to take the team seriously as a contender for top entertainment when compared to bigger stadiums. The facility itself is nice though – a stadium enclosed on all sides with a fully walkable upper concourse and giant video scoreboard is what many teams out there would envy, particularly with it being located on campus. Also, all the seats have backs to them as well, a bonus other stadiums cannot boast. Neighborhood 3 FIU’s athletic fields are on campus, which makes it convenient. Unlike stadiums in the middle of a city, there is a sense of security on campus as you are seemingly separated from the rest of the neighborhood around it. However, there still remains the issue of how that surrounding neighborhood looks, and it isn’t exactly the best in Miami. Sweetwater is a town known for political corruption and severe street flooding during hurricanes, and not much else. Put a college campus in the middle of it, and you have FIU. For lodging, one option is Aloft Miami Doral just to the north. For those with a wanting for higher society, Trump National Doral is also located north of campus and within driving distance. For food there is a Five Guys across the street, while the Chili’s on campus offers an alternative to fast food. For something to do with the family when it isn’t game day, both Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve are due west on the same road that FIU’s campus is located on (SW 8th Street). In addition, the Miccosukee Casino is also west of campus, about 10 minutes away. Fans 2 Fans, when they show up, are energetic – it is college after all. However, getting them to show up is another big ask for a results-driven city fan base. FIU Stadium has seen very few packed-to-the-gills games since FIU began playing here. Perhaps that says something about the fan base, or lack of, at FIU games. Access 3 Getting to FIU Stadium isn’t too hard, but traffic can sometimes be problematic. As is typical in Miami, traffic backs up right around the exits nearest FIU’s campus on a daily basis. If you find yourself hoping to get to a game and rush hour happens to have lasted a little longer on that day, you may be in for a late arrival. But parking is plentiful right outside the stadium gates, thanks to the county fairgrounds right next-door. Parking here is usually $20 with multiple lots and garages around campus offering alternative options as well. Return on Investment 2 As far as FIU Stadium’s entertainment value goes, the team’s performance doesn’t help its case – the campus is growing and bustling, but the football games aren’t. Also, with a road-weary commuter school student body, getting students to games isn’t their strongest suit either. When you want to see college football, you want a rowdy student section and passionate fans. At FIU, you may get a free t-shirt for going and the ability to seeD-I football played, but that’s about it. Extras 3 For students, FIU has a program called Panther Points, rewarding students for attending athletic events throughout the year. At certain points, fans with the most points are rewarded with computers, scholarships, and other prizes. For fans, a t-shirt giveaway may be at random games. At some games, FIU has shot off fireworks that go along with various themed nights, such as Star Wars night. The team also shoots off a cannon every time FIU scores points. Another neat feature is the touchdown cannon; every time the team scores, the cannon goes off and the FIU ROTC does pushups for each point the Panthers have scored. Final Thoughts From their continued effort to force a rivalry with UM where none exists, to their lack of fans at home games, FIU is a team with some work to do. Despite this, there remains potential for growth, and if all goes well the Panthers at FIU Stadium have the ability to become a huge draw down south once again.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Huntingburg Memorial Fieldhouse 412 E. 5th Street Huntingburg, IN 47452 Southridge Raiders website Huntingburg Memorial Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 6,000 Where the Fieldhouse is Bigger than the Town When the Huntingburg Memorial Gym was dedicated on November 13, 1951, the local newspaper had an 8-page feature in its newspaper filled with articles about the gym and the school’s history along with a bevy of local sponsors congratulating the opening of the new basketball venue that would have a capacity of 6,092–larger than the town itself. The objective was evident, this new beauty of a basketball cathedral would be the pride of Huntingburg and DuBois County. It was also built to steal away sectional play from nearby Jasper High School’s gymnasium less than 10 miles north of town. The first sectional tournament at the new gym grossed close to $15,000 while the year before the tournament at Jasper grossed close to $6,300. It was hard for the community not to be impressed with the innovative design that was created by architect Ralph Legeman who only 2 years prior built the first of these structures in Herrin, Illinois. However, HMG features were much larger than the four other gyms he designed with 16 rows of seating. The “super gymnasium and sports arena” was the largest of its kind in Southern Indiana featuring the distinctive pin-hinged arch with an outward thrust to provide unobstructed views for fans entering the gym at street level and with a court located below street level. It was an investment of $25,000 and a perfect spot for sectional and regional tournaments for the town of Huntingburg. When it opened the gym was home to the Huntingburg Happy Hunters who had been playing basketball since 1919 but by the start of the 1972-1973 academic school year, the gym became home to the Southridge High School Raiders after consolidating with Holland High School. Huntingburg and Southridge High Schools have captured 3 regional and 23 sectional championships. Food & Beverage 4 The concession stand layout is quite different in comparison to other gyms that were constructed with the Legeman blueprint. There are two large table areas on opposite sides of the concourse offering the usual food items of nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, pop, and candy. The prices range from $1 for popcorn and candy to $2 for nachos and a Raiderdog. No item will cost you more than $3. The gym offers a little extra in terms of dessert items. Fans can enjoy ice cream: chocolate, vanilla, and twist for $2 or $3. There is also the option of enjoying a Dole Whip, made locally, and available in five different flavors including mango, peach, and strawberry. The dairy-free treat makes for a nice light treat during the game, but let it melt slightly before digging in with your plastic spoon. Atmosphere 3 Unfortunately, during our visit to the fieldhouse, the crowd was somewhat tepid, and the gigantic venue, along with the dominant victory by the visitors, drowned out any atmosphere that would follow one of the most prestigious buildings for high school hoops in the state of Indiana. We know we arrived at a late Saturday afternoon game and that other nights would produce a more raucous crowd. Still, there is a lot to like about this place. It is kept immensely clean and looks like renovations from 2006 gave the place a nice new look from its flooring, lighting, concourse, and seating area. The colors of black and red are proudly displayed and the rather dark and moody lighting blankets out of those empty seats. For a first-time visitor one either is amazed at the building’s girth or imagines what it must be like with a full tilt on hand for a game. There is a lot of history on display from a corner of the gym honoring its Indiana Hall of Fame members from the Happy Hunter days to the sectional championship winners from 1985 and 1986 proudly on display in both photos and paragraphs. A trophy case near one of the entrances displays more memorabilia. All pieces of history are neatly displayed and do not feel crammed into one another or displayed like a dorm room wall at a university. Neighborhood 3 Downtown Huntingburg is located a few blocks from the ballpark offering various storefronts and places to eat before or after the game. The Gaslight Restaurant offers sandwiches and pizza, Mama T’s Italian Steakhouse is a fine choice for dining, and Market Street Soup & Salad is another fine choice. There are also a few regional chain restaurants along the main street heading north towards Jasper where a few more breweries such as Basket Case Brewing Company and Pub are located. The Schnitzelbank Restaurant attracts customers from all over the region and offers German cuisine and liter beer in an equally impressive atmosphere of the Old World. The Southridge Raiders play at an equally impressive ballpark that was part of the filming location for the movie A League of Their Own . League Stadium is also the home of the Dubois County Bombers of the Ohio Valley League during the summer but if you happen to be in a town where you can take in a baseball or basketball game make sure you visit this gem of a ballpark. A few attractions in Dubois County include the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame in Jasper, Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari in nearby Santa Claus, Patoka Lake, Ferdinand National Forest, and the Hoosier National Forest. The majority of lodging options are a few miles north in Jasper Fans 2 A small crowd was at hand and there was not much to root for as the Raiders were besieged by the hands of Jeffersonville. Many wished to jeer when something went astray on the court and many were just there enjoying themselves with friends and family. As stated earlier, perhaps another night would have seen a better fan turnout. Access 3 Huntingburg is located in Dubois County along SR-231. Depending on where you live, it could be a day trip to get here. It is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Indianapolis, an hour and a half from Louisville, and forty-five minutes from Evansville. The closest interstate access is 8 miles south on I-64. However, in Southern Indiana, where many say basketball is at its best, the long drives are sometimes worth the time. Return on Investment 3 Huntington Memorial Gymnasium is one of the state’s iconic venues and as it nears 70 years of service in little under 2 years, it is recommended to visit to see a game. Perhaps a sectional or regional tournament game would draw better crowds or maybe a game against the rival Jasper Wild would also bring out the community to the game. Tickets are $5 and a food item is no more than $3—probably some of the best deals for concession items in the state. Extras 3 The Huntington Memorial Gymnasium earns a point for its presentation. The old gym looks sharp and modern, stroked in the school colors of black and red. The gym earns a second point for offering the different options of Dole Whip, a dessert made from tropical fruit flavor and not all that junk you might find in ice cream. The final point is for the tall wooden table and chairs at the corners of the concourse that provide fans a place to put their food items down and enjoy the game. Final Thoughts The Huntington Memorial Gymnasium is one of the must-see basketball gymnasiums in Indiana. When the place is packed the energy is outstanding but due to its size, even a few thousand fans can make the place somewhat less enthralling. However, this is one of the many massive and impressive facilities built during the 1950s and one should enter its doorways with the respect it richly deserves. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Sargent's Stadium at the Point 100 Johns Street Johnstown, PA 15901 Johnstown Mill Rats website Sargent's Stadium at the Point website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 7,500 Mill Rats Baseball in Johnstown Sargent's Stadium at the Point is a historic stadium that has existed in some form since 1926. The ballpark was home to the Johnstown Red Sox of the Eastern League in 1961, and a Frontier League team that went by various names between 1995 and 2002. It has also been home to the All-American Amateur Baseball Association (AAABA) World Series since 1946. In 2005, Point Stadium was completely rebuilt. Artificial turf was installed two years later. In 2021, the ballpark got a new tenant, the Johnstown Mill Rats of the Prospect League. Featuring teams across the Rust Belt and Upper Midwest, the Prospect League is one of the elite summer collegiate leagues in the country. Sargent's Stadium is known for its unusual dimensions. The foul lines are only 290 feet from home plate. Right field juts out quickly like the Pesky Pole at Fenway, and is 395 feet to the alley. However, the left-centerfield gap is only 336 feet away. To compensate, there is a tall wall in left field, topped by a net which is in play. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands at Point Stadium, one on the concourse under the right field stands and one at the top of the reserved seats near home plate, behind the press box. They serve an identical menu, so go to whichever one is closest to your seat. Burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, nachos, and pizza slices are the main options, while snacks include ice cream, popsicles, candy, and chips. Drinks include Gatorade, water, and soda, as well as beer for those of age. Prices are about average - a burger costs $7 while chicken and fries are $9. Non-alcoholic beverages are $3 each. Atmosphere 5 Despite being renovated recently, Point Stadium still feels like an old-time ballpark, with its unusual layout, sliding pits around the bases, and downtown location with the stadium laid out to fit in the street grid. The main gate is in the outfield, and from there, fans will walk by some murals to the concourse under the bleachers. There are some reserved chairback seats behind home plate, and general admission bleachers everywhere else. A small videoboard is located in right-centerfield, with another scoreboard located in the large wall in left-centerfield that shows the line score and other basic information. The Mill Rats do a great job of creating a fun atmosphere here, with music to keep the crowd engaged, and between-inning contests during almost every break. These contests range from traditional ones like the dizzy bat race and dress like a player contest to more unusual ones like the taco trot, where kids dress up as tacos and race around the bases. The team has a mascot named Milton, who unsurprisingly is a rat. He roams the stadium throughout the game and interacts with the fans. Neighborhood 2 Johnstown is a former steel mill town, as the team name alludes to, and since the mills closed, many people and businesses have left and the city has declined. While Downtown Johnstown has a poor reputation, it is not as bad as many people think. If you head a few blocks east from the stadium along Main Street and the adjacent roads, you will find several local businesses that are still thriving, including Stone Bridge Brewing Company and Balance Restaurant. Fetz's is a popular sports bar right across the street from the stadium. While Johnstown may not be the nicest city, there is still plenty going on here. Fans 3 Johnstown averages about a thousand fans per game, and attendance has been improving steadily in the three seasons since their founding. While this puts them towards the bottom of the Prospect League, the team has been moving up in the rankings. Those fans who do show up are passionate, proud, and loud. Chants of "Let's Go Rats" can be heard throughout the game, as can loud applause after big plays. Fans are also not afraid to get on the case of the umpires or even their own team if they feel they have messed up in some way. That being said, a Mill Rats game is family friendly entertainment, and the fans behave in a way that is consistent with that goal. It can be hard to hear the roar of the crowd when you have only a thousand fans in a 7,500 seat stadium, but Mill Rats fans do their best to be heard. Access 2 To get into Johnstown, you will likely end up taking Pennsylvania Route 56, the Johnstown Expressway. After crossing over a bridge, you will be in downtown Johnstown and the stadium will be a short drive away. Parking can be challenging. Although there are numerous lots surrounding the stadium, they are all private lots for local businesses. Although the team told us we were allowed to park there, this contradicted the signage so we felt it best not to risk it. That being said, some fans were able to park in these lots without issue. If you do not want to chance it, parking is available on the streets surrounding the stadium, free after 5 on weekdays and all day on weekends which should cover just about every home game. There is also a paid garage at the corner of Main and Walnut Streets, a five minute walk away. Once you enter the stadium, the concourse is wide enough to accommodate the fans, although it seems more cramped than it is due to being under the bleachers. Restrooms are located here too. Handicap accessible seating is also under the bleachers. Fans can attempt to watch the game through a chain link fence built into the right field wall, but their view will be significantly obstructed not just by the fence itself but by various parts of the stadium architecture. Suffice it to say it is not an ideal location. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $8 for general admission or $10 for reserved chairbacks. Concessions are about average and parking will probably be free as well. Combined with the exciting, family friendly atmosphere, this makes a Mill Rats game a great value for fans of all ages to check out. Extras 3 The unique layout of the stadium is worth a star here. There is a team shop at the top of the reserved seats selling Mill Rats gear with their unique logo. Look for the murals by the entrance, honoring baseball in Johnstown over the years. Final Thoughts Sargent's Stadium at the Point is a historic stadium that has been updated for modern times. The Johnstown Mill Rats have made it their home and create a family-friendly and exciting atmosphere for baseball. If you are in Central Pennsylvania on a summer night, be sure to head to Johnstown to check out a Mill Rats game in this unique ballpark.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Road America N7390 WI-67 Elkhart Lake, WI 53073 IndyCar Series website Road America website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 150,000 Summer Racing in Wisconsin Road America is often regarded as one of the greatest race tracks in the world, let alone the US. While the track’s annual schedule features Trans-Am, IMSA, and others, IndyCar can always be guaranteed to see fans from all over the Midwest flock to this track to witness some of North America’s best sports action. Racing in a beautiful setting that proves to be both fan friendly and easy to navigate, this summer event is a must-see on the IndyCar slate. Food & Beverage 5 There are a lot of places to eat at Road America, and the ones that exist are an absolute treat for the pallet. With over 20 concessions stands located around the course, Road America is led by The Gearbox, a hillside concession stand and bar that features some of the best views on the property, as well as the best food around. Being in Wisconsin, you can get the best cheese and sausage foods there, as well as a brilliantly tasty breakfast food called eggers. The addition of the IndyCar Series to the Road America schedule means even more food options are now available around the race course. Of course the beer is also cold and tasty, perfect for sitting under a tree feeling the cool breeze as the cars go speeding past. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere around Road America during race weekend is very family friendly and relaxed. The best in the sport are taking part in some of the most exciting racing around, and despite the tension of the competition, everyone – including the teams and drivers – is in a relaxed and fun-loving mood. There is just something about the beauty of the countryside and the forests around the premises that put everyone in a “let’s go race and enjoy every moment of it” state of mind. In addition, the quality of the on-track action is enough to make any fan excited to see what happens around the next corner. The excitement fills the air every time a car takes to the track, be it for practice, qualifying, or for a race. Road America also features some of the cleanest racetrack bathrooms anywhere. Add that to the incredible track store and the free fan shuttle that can take you around the various viewing areas, and you have a solid basis for calling this one of the best tracks around. In 2023, the track also debuted a new walking and golf cart path around the outside of the carousel, which leads to the new beach viewing area just before the famous Kink turn. Here, beach lounging chairs and faux palm trees offer a tropical vibe to watch motorsports in Wisconsin. Neighborhood 4 The area around Road America is exactly what you would expect to find in rural Wisconsin – rolling hills, farmland, forests, and small towns. The town of Elkhart Lake is quaint and small, but is seething with racing history and lore. Famed racing announcer David Hobbs calls this small town home, and the fans here are all die-hards who watch everything that happens on the track. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Road America, there is a wide variety of small bed-and-breakfasts to pick from in and around Elkhart Lake, as well as some cabins that can make you feel like you’re roughing it…sort of. In addition, the town of Sheboygan is only 20-30 minutes away by car, providing fans a chance to stay in a hotel chain of their choice – Holiday Inn, La Quinta, etc. are all located in Sheboygan. If you’re looking for something to eat, Sheboygan has a wide variety of restaurants, from Applebee’s to McDonald’s. But by far the most must-see eatery near Road American is the Stop-Inn Tavern at Siebkens Resort in Elkhart Lake, a local bar that all of racing royalty has passed through at some time or another. And, for those looking for something to see and do, the Kettle-Moraine State Forest is not far from the track, providing some great hiking options. In addition, the Kohler factory is in nearby Sheboygan, and Road America’s location is just a 30-minute drive from the Great Lakes. Fans 5 Fans at Road America are much like those in the rest of the Midwest – die-hard and series-knowledgeable. They’re also absurdly kind and sweet, willing to help in any way possible when you need assistance with anything. They also pack the camping areas around the speedway, making for one brilliant fan block party. Over 100,000 fans have been known to pack the speedway during IndyCar weekend, making them races unlike any other on the schedule. Access 4 Getting to Road America isn’t as difficult as getting to some sports facilities. That said, it is off the beaten path – at least 10 minutes’ drive from the nearest highway, Road America requires you to drive down some single-lane roads through the hilly countryside. However, with the addition of IndyCar to the schedule, the facility has greatly increased its signage nearby. The entrance is so sudden and not easily marked that in the past one would be liable to drive right past it, were there not a major race going on that weekend. Now, however, with the new signs it is much easier to get on the right path to the entrances. Once you’re at Road America you will also discover that there are several other entrances to the track that you didn’t know about, which can be frustrating if you had to wait in line for hours; check the fan map of the venue to identify these alternate gates and entrances. The biggest plus at Road America is that the main entrance had a complete makeover in 2016, adding more entrance booths for faster processing of fans and campers. Return on Investment 5 Road America is one of the best tracks at which you can watch a race. The facility is huge, but you are given plenty of options to watch the race from without having to move from place to place. Watching from the right location can give you up to six corners of the track to see all at once, and you also get access to the grandstands all around the track, as well as access to the paddock, with your admission ticket to most races. Extras 5 Where once a zip line ended now stands a high vantage point for fans to watch the action at the track inside the final turn. The former zip line landing platform is now a giant viewing zone, and while you may have to climb a lot of stairs to get there, the view is well worth it. Additionally, if you have ever wanted to try your hand at racing, you can sign up for racing school at the track. You can also take a trip to Elkhart Lake, and follow the original track layouts through historic markers along the roadside. Before it had its current layout, Road America was once a true street course, running through Elkhart Lake itself and over the hills on the various roadways in the nearby area. If you can’t peel your eyes away from your mobile device, you can also engage with the race on social media, and see your photos and tweets on the various big screens around Road America by using specific hashtags and handles on Twitter and Instagram. However, if treetop views or social media aren’t your thing, you can also take a wandering hike through the forest on several pathways that meander through the mountains above Kettle Bottoms and Canada Corner. These trails lead from the top of the peak to the bottom of a newly-cleared pathway along the infamous straightaway. Finally, several autograph sessions happen during the weekend in the fan zone, offering fans a chance to see some of their favorite drivers. Final Thoughts If you want to see racing history meet modern-day sports stars, take a trip to Road America – you will not be disappointed in what you find. In addition, if you want to take a step above that, go camping on the property during race weekend. The fans are nice, the action is top quality, and the weather is almost always beautiful. It’s hard to find a better place to see racing in North America than Road America.

Photos by Joe Molski and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Heritage Bank Center 100 Broadway St Cincinnati, OH 45202 Cincinnati Cyclones website Heritage Bank Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 14,453 A Cyclone Along the Banks of the Ohio River Sitting right along the banks of the mighty Ohio River is the Heritage Bank Center. It opened in September 1975 as the Riverfront Coliseum; the indoor arena sits next to Great American Ballpark in downtown Cincinnati. The arena has a capacity of 17,556, and the most current renovations took place in 1997 and cost $14.7 million. The main tenant is the Cincinnati Cyclones, but the building has played host to numerous events. The Crosstown Shootout, Conference USA men’s basketball tournament, NCAA men’s and women’s March Madness tournaments, NCAA Frozen Four, concerts, and the World Choir Games in 2012. The originally planned tenant for the brand-new arena was supposed to be an NHL franchise. A group headed by Bill DeWitt, Jr. attempted to lure a team to the building but was rejected. Cincinnati would place an expansion franchise in the World Hockey Association and call it the Stingers; the team would play from 1975-1979 and feature future NHL Hall of Famers Mike Gartner and Mark Messier, both baby-faced teenagers at the time. Cincinnati was denied again when the WHA merged with the NHL in 1979. The Stingers played one more year in the minor-league Central Hockey League before folding after 33 games during the 1979/80 season. There have been three separate Cyclones franchises that began with the expansion club in 1990 in the East Coast Hockey League. The club jumped up a level to the International Hockey League in 1992 but folded with the league in 2001. The current club rejoined the ECHL the following season and, except the 2004-2006 seasons, have been mainstays at the Heritage Bank Center. Food & Beverage 2 A detail that has been overlooked by ownership is the concession areas. Many of the same food stands remain from when I visited this arena as a kid several years ago. The signage is outdated and could use an upgrade. Most were open, but a few on the short ends of the rink were closed. This particular night happened to be a $1 beer night, so long lines at stands were dedicated only to alcohol sales. You could get anything from moonshine to a cocktail. Beers included were Miller Lite, Angry Orchard, Blue Moon, PBR, and other local breweries like 50 West. Wine in a can and also tropical mocktails were available at one vendor. There were classic brands of the area that included Donatos Pizza, Graeter’s Ice Cream, and Skyline Chili. They offered the typical concession stand food, minus hot dogs, which I found interesting. Pizza by the slice is $4.50, and a burger/chicken finger combo is $8.50. RC Cola products are available at the concessions. The best deal is the $10 bottomless popcorn, which you could easily make your money’s worth. Atmosphere 4 The building’s cramped concourse was the main reason why the atmosphere was not awarded 5 points. The hallways are very narrow, which was a sign of the times when the arena was constructed. They were enlarged during the 1997 renovations, but they will have to be expanded again at some point to make it easier to navigate for visitors. Outside of this, the atmosphere was incredible. The Cyclones have a fantastic pregame player introduction and one of the better ones in the ECHL. An anthem from a local high school got a tremendous roar from the crowd. A great noise was only subdued by an early visitors’ goal against the run of play. After this, the crowd started to get back into the game with some shots from the home team. Cheering and chants during the game made it feel like a playoff game, not an early-season Thursday night tilt. Bringing your dogs to the ice was also part of the promotion tonight. Many dog-themed snacks and treats around the stadium for the furry friends. Barking could be heard throughout the game. Neighborhood 3 While it is downtown, it is quite a walk from the bustling Central Business District and Over-the-Rhine neighborhoods. The stadium sits next to Great American Ballpark and is within walkable distance of The Banks and northern Kentucky. Plenty of spots to eat at the Banks , like Holy Grail and Condado tacos. There are many breweries, and one of my favorite pizza spots, Dewey’s Pizza across the river at Newport on the Levee . Cold Stone Creamery is also just across the river. Fans 5 Nothing beats the promotions served up by minor league hockey teams, and tonight was Pucks for Pugs. Dog owners could bring their best friends to the game. The sounds of the barking dogs added to that unique atmosphere of the night. Fans were excited at the start with a terrific pre-game show on the ice and followed by player introductions to hype up the crowd. An early goal from visitors took a lot out of the fans, but a solid performance and win cured all blues. Thanks to the terrific Cyclones App – I got a free hat just from downloading it onto my phone. There is also a lot of gear available to purchase at the game. You could see a lot of hometown sweaters, some from The Avengers and Spongebob Square Pants-themed nights (another minor league hockey promotion). One thing to note, earlier in the day, a trade sent Jack Eichel to the Vegas Golden Knights from the Buffalo Sabres. I found an Eichel sweater in the stands. Access 3 The parking garage is attached to the arena and charged $10. There are a couple of outside lots around the stadium that are also for $10. You could also park in northern Kentucky and walk across the Purple People’s Bridge to get to the stadium and take in the beautiful Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline. The narrow hallways around the concourse are a negative aspect of the arena, especially during COVID times. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket is $20 for a game, and you might not spend more than $35 total. The parking for $10 may seem steep, but you are only about 100 feet from the arena. The game was of high quality. Multiple goals, hits, and fights meant plenty of action. The food was reasonably priced, and the beer was $1. These are hard to beat. Extras 3 Head Coach Jason Payne is the only African-American ice hockey head coach in all professional hockey. The All-Access Bar & Grill is located on the 5th floor (Suite Level) of the arena but was closed during our visit. When operational, fans get a marvelous birdseye view of the ice along with a full-service bar and restaurant. Final Thoughts The arena is perfect for ice hockey, but it does need some care on the concourses and outside. The game was entertaining, and the food and drinks were reasonably priced. The Cyclones market their games for anyone, and I think anyone would have a great night at Heritage Bank Center.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Chaska Athletic Park 725 W 1st St Chaska, MN 55318 Chaska Cubs website Chaska Athletic Park website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 1,100 Athletic Park is Charming in Chaska Athletic Park in Chaska, Minnesota is considered by many to be the “crown jewel” of Minnesota amateur ballparks. Constructed in 1950 and featuring a classic mid-20th-century design, original wooden seats, covered grandstand, cinder block dugouts, and a natural grass surface that is fine-tuned by volunteers, it would be hard not to argue as being one of the best in the state. The aesthetics do not end with the structure of the ballpark itself. The facility is nestled between the Minnesota River, and sloping hills, and surrounded by tall trees. It is quite a beautiful setting for any ballpark in the country and one that seems to have been stuck in time for small-town baseball. However, the Minnesota River can wreak havoc as it has flooded Athletic Park on five occasions this century alone, the last being in 2014. To help protect the historic stadium from further flood waters, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers built a 710-foot tall grass berm with a width of 30 feet around 75% of the ballfield. The price was steep at $300,000, but civic leaders felt the price was worth it due to the amount of money needed to repair damages after each flooding. The Chaska Cubs have been around a little longer than Athletic Field having played its first game in town in 1928. Organized baseball itself has been played in Chaska since 1877 and at various times numerous organized teams played at the same time. There had also been multiple ballparks in town, one was partially destroyed by a tornado in 1925, but would later be dismantled and reconstructed at a new site in 1933. Chaska residents were then given a choice of where to build a brand new ballpark which would be Athletic Park. The Greater Chaska Athletic Association funded construction as part of a stock-selling drive and received donations as far as Juneau, Alaska. Volunteers helped layout the field and backstop, while the local newspaper declared the erected grandstand “as fine a grandstand any town of our size in the state can boast.” The new ballpark also featured the state of Minnesota’s first electronic scoreboard. The Cubs have won four state tournaments in 1932, 1947, 1971, and 1987 and the club continues to draw impressive crowds to its historic home near the Minnesota River. The ballpark also serves home for high school baseball, state tournaments, and American Legion baseball. It even served home to the city’s only professional baseball team in 1995 the Chaska Valley Buccaneers, who were 8-6 when the North Central League ceased operations. Food & Beverage 3 There is a main concession area underneath the grandstand with two serving windows. One serves alcohol including Miller selections and local and iconic Grain Belt beer for $3-$4 a can. The food served at the stadium is basic, but common ballpark staples of hot dogs, hamburgers and cheeseburgers, popcorn, peanuts, and candy. Ice cream sandwiches and bars sell. Atmosphere 4 Athletic Park is an example of mid-20th-century ballpark construction and has been maintained quite well throughout its existence. The old wooden seats are not as comfortable as modern theater-style seating, but many in attendance bring a seat cushion or chair back. The covered grandstand protects patrons from the sun or pesky mosquitoes flying around down the right-field line of the stadium. The ballpark offers a lot of history. There are old newspaper articles and photos illustrating the team’s history, a plaque commemorating the first game played at the stadium, and a chart highlighting the level of significant flooding that has occurred throughout the facility’s history. On the lighter side, a very popular area for the children is the garden which includes a bronze statue, flowers in Cubs helmets, and wood cut-outs of Cubs that were created and painted by local area high school students. There are also old seats and a play area for the young ones in attendance. The massive press box that once stood on top of the roof, but was moved underneath the grandstand roof due to weather concerns is a collection of old baseball jerseys, news clippings, and plastic owls once used to scare away pigeons. The seating area down the right field baseline offers fans chair-back seating and a basic electric scoreboard adorns right center field. The atmosphere is more in line with lower-level Single-A or collegiate wood bat league baseball. The game feels like a big event and the only thing missing is billboard ads on the outfield fence and an over-the-time PA announcer, however, they are not missed at the game. Neighborhood 3 Chaska is a town of 24,000 and is roughly 30 minutes southwest of Minneapolis between state highways 212 and 169. You are close enough to enjoy the big city of the Twin Cities, but small-town Chaska may be worth spending a few hours in before or after the game. Chaska is home to one of the Crooked Pint locations offering 32 taps of beer, pot pies, burgers, sandwiches, and curling. Cuzzy’s Brickhouse is a local establishment serving wood-fire pizza, Tex-Mex fare, pork chops, and barbecue ribs. Detello’s Pizza and Pasta is another favorite featuring thin crust or deep dish pizza. Paisley Park Studios is much closer than it is to Minneapolis. The former home and recording studios for Prince are open for tours, but you must lock up all cameras before you go inside, they do not allow photography inside. Fans 4 The Cubs faithful rank up with the best-of-town ballpark fans in the state. They have been spoiled with a fantastic baseball palace that has stood the test of time and are treated to great Cubs teams that usually sport winning records each summer. The center of the community is also a great way for local businesses to come out and share ideas and support. Access 4 Chaska is a small ballpark and so is the town. There are signs posted directing traffic to the game and an ample-sized gravel parking lot (another aesthetic nod to the good ‘ol days of baseball) that is free of charge. Bathrooms and concession stands are located in the grandstand and for the crowds on hand, plenty of legroom underneath the wooden roof. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices for adults are $3, seniors $1, and children under 18 are free. The parking is free and the concession prices are all under $4.The historic ballpark is a beauty to watch a baseball game of any level and when you have a few hundred fans surrounding you on a warm, summer night, the investment is worth the price of admission. Extras 4 The park receives one point for the hours of volunteer work that goes into the ballpark’s upkeep. The field is well-manicured, the grandstand is clean, and the service is friendly. There are minor league stadiums where the service is not too friendly; however, the folks in Chaska do it very well, and they do it for free. The park receives a second point for the setting of the ballpark; the view of the river, hills, trees, gravel parking lot, and covered grandstand design is postcard-perfect. It tells a story before even buying a ticket. The park receives a third point for the players who spend their time after the game signing autographs for kids on the field. The night of this visit was steamy and the mosquitoes were ruthlessly nipping at your backs, but these young men did not seem to mind spending a little time with the younger crowd. The park receives a final point for old photos and news clippings found throughout the stadium. There is a lot of history here and sometimes finding it online is not that easy, thankfully there are a lot of facts and figures about Athletic Park, the Chaska Cubs, and other ball clubs who have played here. Final Thoughts I will not be the one who disagrees with anyone who calls Athletic Park “one of the jewels of town ballparks in Minnesota.”It is a classic baseball stadium, one that is in superb condition and still servicing baseball fans for almost seven decades. The town of Chaska is fortunate to have this historic venue still residing in their town. Its location in the Twin Cities makes it extremely easy and affordable to visit and soak in all of that beautiful nostalgia. ______ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channe l. Email at marc.viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Wintrust Arena 200 E Cermak Rd Chicago, IL 60616 Chicago Sky website Wintrust Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 10,387 The Sky’s The Limit The Wintrust Arena opened in 2017. It is truly a multi-purpose facility, as in addition to the usual sports and concerts, it also serves as the home for trade shows, large corporate meetings, conventions, and other major events. Wintrust Arena has a capacity of 10,387 in its basketball configuration, with 22 luxury suites also available. The Chicago Sky was founded in 2006 and has played in the Wintrust Arena since 2018. They previously played at the Allstate Arena. The club has won two conference championships (2014,2021) and took home the WNBA Championship on their home floor in 2021. The Wintrust Arena also serves as the home arena for both the men’s and women’s basketball programs of the DePaul University Blue Demons. Food & Beverage 3 There are seven concession stands that are evenly distributed throughout the arena and are numerous enough that you should not encounter a long line during a game. The concession offerings include nachos ($7), chicken tenders ($7), hot dogs ($8), an extra-large popcorn bucket ($9), pretzels ($6.50), chicken sandwiches ($13), pizza ($8.50), chips ($4) and candy ($4) Wintrust Arena serves Pepsi brand sodas ($6.50), Gatorade ($6), and bottled water ($5). The arena also offers a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. Domestic drafts are $9.00, premium drafts are $11.00, premium cans are $!0.00, and craft IPAs are $11.00. Wintrust Arena is a peanut-free facility to protect persons with peanut allergies. Atmosphere 4 Wintrust Arena is very impressive from the outside, with a shiny steel and glass exterior. However, the inside of the venue is what is important to fans, and Wintrust scores high for its well-thought-out configuration. The seating bowl is compact without feeling crowded, with seats at all levels enjoying great sight lines. The seats are very comfortable and provide excellent leg room. The Sky’s court features the yellow and sky-blue color scheme of the franchise, with the team logo at midcourt and yellow and blue borders surrounding the court and endlines. Hanging above midcourt is a gigantic scoreboard/videoboard that features all the stats for the game and replays of outstanding shots during the game. You will never be bored at a Chicago Sky game, as the team does a great job of filling breaks in the action with contests, entertainment, and the antics of Sky Guy, the team’s hilarious mascot Neighborhood 4 The Wintrust Arena is a part of the Collection at McCormick Square. This complex includes the McCormick Place Convention Center, the Marriott Marquis Chicago, and the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. These buildings are connected via skybridges and pedestrian promenades. It draws the largest convention gatherings in the Windy City, and has several on-site restaurants, as well as many dining opportunities in the South Loop neighborhood that surrounds it. The arena is convenient to nearby attractions in the Chinatown area (Chinese American Museum of Chicago) or along the lakefront (Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum). Fans 4 The Sky has a large and loyal fanbase. The Wintrust Arena is one of the largest capacity arenas in the WNBA and they manage to sellout games on a regular basis. Winning the WNBA title in 2021 has really created a buzz in a city that has been starved for a major sports title for many years. The Sky and its Foundation are very active in the schools and civic organizations in the Windy City. It is not unusual to see the names of many of these groups running on the videoboard when they recognize the groups in attendance at that game. There are several special fan experiences available at each game. These include serving as an Anthem Buddy, serving as a Ball Kid, standing in the High 5 line as the team enters the arena from the player’s tunnel/locker room, or delivering the ball to the officials prior to the game. These special experiences must be arranged weeks prior to the game you will be attending. Access 4 Wintrust Arena is easily accessed by a wide variety of transportation options. There are multiple parking garages within the McCormick Place complex for those who wish to drive to the Sky games. These lots tend to have plenty of spaces available when the games take place on weekends or at night. However, it is important to remember that Chicago traffic can be a nightmare at most any time of the day. Directions coming from the north: Use the Kennedy Expressway and exit at 18th Street. Take 18th Street east to State Street. Turn south on State Street to Cermak. Turn left on Cermak Road Directions coming from I-55: Take the ramp to the Southbound Dan Ryan Expressway. Exit at 31st Street and head east. At South Martin Luther King Drive head north. McCormick Place will be at the corner of South Martin Luther King Drive and Cermak Road. There are several public transportation options to get to the Wintrust Arena. The CTA’s Green Line offers L service via the Cermak-McCormick Place Station. The CTA’s Red Line serves Wintrust Arena via the Cermak-Chinatown Station. CTA bus service to the arena is available via the #3 and #21 bus routes. METRA Rail services the facility via the McCormick Place Station. The doors to Wintrust Arena open 90 minutes prior to tipoff. Return on Investment 3 There are several ticket price points available for games at the Wintrust Arena. The lowest seating price is $19, which is on the Upper Level at the end of the court. The other price levels are $28 (Upper Level in the corners), $33 (Upper Level on sides of court), $44 (Lower Level at end of the court), $55 (Lower Level corners), and the highest priced seats are $71 (Lower Level on the sides) Vey honestly, Wintrust Arena is a very cozy facility, and there really is not a bad seat in the house at any price point. The arena uses Ticketmaster as its official ticket sales vendor. Parking in Lot A of McCormick Place costs $15 on game nights Extras 3 The 2022 WNBA All-Star Game was played at Wintrust Arena. The facility has hosted the Big East Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament on numerous occasions. In 2020 Wintrust Arena hosted the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game as a part of the city’s celebration of All-Star Week. Final Thoughts The Chicago Sky has been one of the most successful WNBA teams for years. In 2021 the team won the WNBA title for the city of Chicago, a city starved for a sports championship for the last few years. The Wintrust Arena is a worthy home court for a championship team. It is a shiny place of an arena, with excellent views of the game action from any of its seating areas. It also features a wonderful audiovisual package, with a huge center-hung videoscreen/scoreboard. It also offers easy access to fans, as the arena is located on multiple bus and train routes in a city that lives on public transit.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 FNB Field 245 Champion Way Harrisburg, PA 17101 Harrisburg Senators website FNB Field website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 6,187 Island Baseball Sensylvania The idea of island baseball leads one to think of some exotic locale such as Hawaii or Puerto Rico.  However, in this case, island baseball refers to Central Pennsylvania.  In 1907 baseball in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania took up residence on City Island in the middle of the Susquehanna River.  Baseball was played here until 1952.  In the eighties, once again the push for baseball on City Island was loud and the City of Harrisburg built Riverside Stadium to attract Minor League Baseball.  In 1987 the Harrisburg Senators moved in.  In 1991 the team would change affiliates from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Montreal Expos and remain with the franchise even after its move to Washington to become the Nationals .  The stadium changed names numerous times with various banks holding naming rights.  In 2015 the naming rights were acquired by FNB Financial and the upgraded ballpark was rechristened FNB Field.  Upgrades to the ballpark were necessary to keep the team in the Pennsylvania Capital.  Ownership of the franchise has bounced around from a city-owned team to Michael Reinsdorf to Mark Butler of Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, eventually, becoming part of the massive Diamond Baseball Holdings conglomerate. Known as Sensylvania, the experience is one for all baseball fans. Food & Beverage 4 FNB Field offers a solid lineup of concession options.  There are a few concession spots in different areas of the ballpark. Hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, fries, pizza, and other simple snacks are on the menu.  Spots fans will want to check out start with the Backstop BBQ and Arooga’s Wing Shack, located on the first base side at ground level.  Backstop BBQ offers brisket, pulled pork, and smoked sausage, while hand-tossed chicken wings and burgers along with fries and funnel cake are found at the wing shack.  The pretzels here are pretty massive and worth considering also.  Later, a stop at the Sweet Spot for some Hershey’s hard or soft ice cream can finish the culinary experience.  Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at FNB Field and a variety of domestic beer can also be found. Atmosphere 4 FNB Field is a unique facility starting with the entry.  Fans enter the ballpark from the leftfield side as opposed to the traditional home plate entry.  This makes the exterior of the ballpark a bit different.   The team store is immediately in view and features several Senators markings, along with Washington Nationals markings.  The championship seasons of 1987, 1993, 1996, 19997, 1998, and 1999 are marked on the outside.  Temporary banners of former Senators who have gone on to the big leagues welcome fans as they enter the ballpark under the protection of a large overhang at the left field plaza.  Fans may want to check out the City Island Carousel, which is further to the left of the entrance and not part of the ballpark.  The Senators continue their nod to the history of the franchise with the life-size bobbleheads that make up the 25th Anniversary all-time team.  They can be found under the grandstand closer to the first base side and include well-known names from the Expos and Nationals including Matt Stairs, Stephen Strasburg, Cliff Floyd, Michael Barrett, Ryan Zimmerman, Brandon Phillips, Bryce Harper, and the favorite son of the Senators, Vladimir Guerrero.  Guerrero’s number 27 is also retired and hangs on the left field fence beside the number 42 of Jackie Robinson.  FNB Field offers a wide variety of seating options.  The main grandstand is fairly steep and offers a split seating bowl with an open walkway between the two levels.  Some seats in the main grandstand are protected from the elements by an overhang.  Down both baselines, there are more seats some in right field and more in leftfield.  A set of bleachers is found on the right field side of the stadium and a picnic area is in right field also.  Picnic tables with umbrellas, perfect for large groups, are along the third base side of the park at the concourse level.  FNB Field is a 360-degree park and there are spots to hang out just about everywhere.  Of note, in the left field cheap seats, the section in the corner is open to all.  A lifeguard chair sits behind the section and on hot days, there is an attendant who sprays the crowd with water in that section from the chair. The gameday production at a Senators game is about what one would expect at a Minor League Baseball game.  There are plenty of promotions throughout the game between innings. A moment of note during the game that was reviewed was the Senators mascot, Rascal, dancing on the field with a few kids, dressed just like him.  They were known as the Little Rascals. Neighborhood 4 FNB Field is located on City Island,  in the middle of the Susquehanna River, adjacent to Downtown Harrisburg.  There are several spots for pre or post-game fare downtown, which can also be accessed by the pedestrian bridge from the island.  McGrath’s Pub, Federal Taphouse, Bacco’s Pizzeria, and Palumbo’s are all good options. There isn’t much in the way of other sporting options in Harrisburg, but the Hershey Bears  of the AHL are right next door.  In addition to other Hershey entertainment options, fans should consider the National Civil War Museum and Pennsylvania State Capital as other tourist options.  City Island Beach, mini golf, and the Skyline Sports Complex can be found on the island.  For fans wishing to stay near the park, the Quality Inn and Hilton are close. Fans 3 The Harrisburg Senators enjoy decent support at the turnstile.  In the 2023 season, the Senators averaged over 4,200 fans per game.  They rank 53rd in Minor League Baseball and 7th in the Eastern League.  The game that was reviewed was a mid-week, afternoon game with plenty of kids in attendance.  The fans at the game reviewed were pretty reserved, and not overly boisterous.   Access 3 FNB Field is located on City Island, which can make getting to the ballpark a bit of a challenge.  The island is south of Downtown Harrisburg.  Downtown is north of I-85 and there is not too much of downtown that requires traversing.  That being said, getting to the island on the Market Street Bridge can be slow.  There is parking on the south end of the island and finding a spot should not be a big issue.  Finding parking in Downtown Harrisburg and walking across the bridge may be a better option.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, the train station at Market and Aberdeen.  Fans should check the Capital Area Transit  website for fares, maps, and schedules.  Inside FNB Field, there are plenty of stairs that will require traversing.  The concession stands on ground level become a bit more of a challenge, with stairs to get there and back up to the grandstand level.  The washroom facilities are adequate for the facility. Stadium Journey recommends checking the Harrisburg Senators  website for the most up-to-date security info, including prohibited items, gate opening times, and security protocols. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Harrisburg Senators can be found for a decent price.  Dugout boxes go for $25.  Most seats can be had for $21 and the cheapest seats are $19.  Parking on the island is $5 and concession prices are what one would expect.  The experience at FNB Field is solid and fans will have a good time.  In the end, it all adds up to a good MiLB experience at a price that will not require a meeting with a banker. Extras 3 An extra mark for the unique island setting. An extra mark for the success the Senators have enjoyed on the field, winning the Eastern League Championship four seasons in a row. An extra mark for being the only game in town. Final Thoughts Taking a trip to City Island for some Harrisburg Senators baseball is a great plan for some summer entertainment.  FNB Field is truly a unique facility and the team puts together a good experience.  Sensylvania is the place to be. ---- Follow Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Crypto.com Arena 1111 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90015 Los Angeles Clippers website Crypto.com Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 19,060 L.A. Our Way The franchise that is now known as the Los Angeles Clippers began existence in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves. The team spent eight seasons in upstate New York, where they played third fiddle at the old Buffalo Memorial Auditorium behind the National Hockey League’s Buffalo Sabres and the Canisius Golden Griffins basketball team. Canisius, who saw the Braves as a threat to their success, would regularly schedule the best dates at The Aud, effectively locking the Braves out. The team enjoyed little success in Buffalo, making the playoffs three times. After a failed attempt to sell the team and relocate to South Florida, owner John Y. Brown transferred ownership of his team with Irv Levin, owner of the Boston Celtics, so that Levin could move the Braves to southern California. In 1978 the team moved to San Diego and rebranded as the Clippers. The team failed to make the playoffs in any of their six seasons in San Diego. In 1984 new team owner Donald Sterling moved the team north to Los Angeles without league permission. The team continued to struggle in their new home, racking up a succession of losing seasons and making more news with off-the-court incompetence than for anything done on the court. In the late 1990s rumors were rampant that the Clippers were looking for a new home to replace the Los Angeles Sports Arena, where attendance had fallen to under 10,000 fans per game. Most reports had the team headed to Anaheim and the Honda Center . However, in 1999 the Staples Center was built, and the Clippers joined the Lakers and Kings as tenants in the new building, located two miles from their previous home at the LA Sports Arena. The Clippers have struggled as the third tenant in the building but have received more favorable scheduling and lease terms in recent years as their popularity has grown. The 2010s have been kinder to the Clippers, as the team qualified for the playoffs seven times in the decade, matching the number of playoff seasons over the franchise’s first 41 seasons. Still, the team has yet to advance past the second round of the playoffs. There is much to be excited about for the Clippers’ 50th season, as the team signed Kawhi Leonard and traded for Paul George. The team is considered among the top contenders for the NBA title. The Clippers have not disappointed thus far in the 2019-20 season, staying near the top of the standings and competing, finally, with the Lakers for top billing in southern California. Note: The Staples Center name changed to Crypto.com Arena in Dec, 2021. Food & Beverage 4 The Staples Center does not disappoint in terms of concessions, offering a wide variety of options for the hungry Clipper fan. Among the offerings are Wahoo’s Tacos, LuDo Bird, Dave’s Doghouse, Wetzel’s Pretzels, Blaze Pizza and Salt & Char Burgers. Mixed in with traditional arena fare are uniquely southern California options such as fish tacos, ahi tuna poke nachos and sushi. Several stands offer kosher, vegetarian and vegan options. A complete listing of concession options at the Staples Center can be found here . Coca Cola products are featured at the Staples Center. In addition to national beer brands, local craft brews from Golden Road and Goose Island Breweries are featured. The Figueroa Bar on the 100-level concourse offers a wide variety of draught beer, signature cocktails and specialty drinks. Atmosphere 4 Visiting fans who come to the Staples Center expecting a Hollywood-style extravagant gameday presentation might be disappointed by the fairly standard atmosphere at a Clippers game. All the typical gameday elements are here, from the dance squad, an energetic PA announcer, mascot and DJ who keeps the building full of noise both during the game and play stoppages. There are fan contests, giveaways, social media promotions and t-shirt tosses throughout the game to keep the casual fan interested. Clippers fans really start to get excited during the fourth quarter, as the team has partnered with Chick-Fil-A to give away a free chicken sandwich if an opposing player missed both free throws. One thing that is very apparent when attending a Clippers game is the fact that they are the third tenant in this building. The statues at the entrances, the murals on the walls and the banners hanging from the rafters all belong to the Lakers and Kings. Hopefully with some success, the Clippers can start to create a presence in the building. Neighborhood 5 Los Angeles is one of the top cities in the nation for tourists, with a seemingly endless list of attractions, things to do and see. In the immediate area of the Staples Center, LA Live is located right across the street from the arena. Located here are several restaurants, hotels and attractions, including the Grammy Museum and the Microsoft Theater. During the holiday season a skating rink is set up in the Xbox Plaza here. On the other side of the Staples Center is the Los Angeles Convention Center. For visiting fans looking for a place to stay while in town for a Clippers game, there are numerous choices within walking distance of the arena. Fans 5 In other parts of the country fans often derisively refer to the late to arrive and early to leave fans of Los Angeles teams. While there is some truth to this reputation, not all fans at the Staples Center fit this description. The Clippers have marketed themselves to the working-class basketball fans of southern California, and the crowd in attendance reflects these efforts. You are more likely to see families and to hear multiple languages spoken at a Clippers game than at a Lakers game. Thus far in the 2019-20 season the Clippers are actually outdrawing their cross-town rivals. The Clippers are operating at 100 percent capacity so as of the writing of this review in early February, placing them solidly in the top ten in the NBA. Access 4 First things first, the mythical Los Angeles traffic is real. No matter where you may be coming from, give yourself some extra time to arrive at the Staples Center. Located adjacent to the Los Angeles Convention Center and the Interstate 10/Route 110 interchange, the facility is fairly easy to get to, traffic notwithstanding. Staples Center’s location downtown ensures that there is plenty of parking nearby. There are over 10,000 parking spots within a ten-minute walk of the arena. For fans looking to avoid the hassle of LA traffic, public transportation is convenient to the area. The Metro Rail Pico Station is a short walk from the facility and several Metro Bus lines have stops near the Staples Center. Complete driving, parking and public transportation information can be found here . There are four main entrances to the Staples Center, all of which empty onto the spacious main concourse. Escalators lead up to the club level and upper concourse. Restrooms are plentiful, clean and spacious. Vomitories lead fans from the main concourse to the seating bowl. Fans in the 100 level walk down to their seats, fans in the 200 level walk up. On the 300 level, fans enter near the bottom of their sections. As is the case in many arenas, the seats in the upper level are very tight. If you are of a large frame, be prepared to have to squeeze into these very narrow seats with poorly positioned cup holders. Even though some of the upper level seats are far from the action, all seats have good views of the court. Return on Investment 4 The Clippers present themselves as a more affordable option to the Lakers. Still, this is Los Angeles, which means that you may have to pay to get the seats you want. The Clippers use variable pricing, meaning weekend and marquee games will cost more than weekday games. On average, upper level seats begin at $45 while lower level seats starting at $117. There are bargains to be found on the secondary market. In fact, when Stadium Journey visited the Staples Center on a weekday game against Sacramento, we were able to secure seats in the lower part of the upper deck for seven dollars. Parking in the lots and garages around the Staples Center generally range in price from $15-25. Concession prices are on the high side, but not out of line with other major facilities across the NBA. A great way to save some money on getting to the Staples Center as well as to avoid the hassle of LA traffic is to use the Metro to get to the arena. A one-way fare is just $1.75, with a day pass priced at seven dollars. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the great gameday and other arena staff. The team is clearly trying to present themselves as an alternative to the traditional, stuffy Lakers. Staff members have fun with the gameday presentation, with lots of giveaways and interaction with the fans. An additional extra point is awarded for the Buffalo Braves merchandise available in the Pro Shop. Final Thoughts It’s tough sledding when you’re the third tenant in a facility. Despite the fact that the Clippers are finally achieving some success and are gaining a foothold in the crowded Los Angeles basketball market, the Staples Center does not feel like home to this star-crossed franchise. While they can’t possibly compete with the Lakers in terms of history and tradition, at least for this year, the Clippers are on equal footing with their cross-town rivals on the court. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Keesler Federal Park 906 Beach Blvd Biloxi, MS 39530 Biloxi Shuckers website Keesler Federal Park website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 6,067 Shuck Yeah!!!! In 2005 the Mississippi Gulf Coast received a direct hit from Hurricane Katrina – the destruction of the 20-foot storm surge and 150 mph winds was catastrophic. With the coast practically wiped off the map on that day it was a wonder if the coast would ever recover. Flash forward 17 years and the coast is thriving again, perhaps better than before, and if coming to Biloxi today you would have a hard time saying that anything happened on that fateful day in August 2005. One symbol of hope and resilience for the region is the Biloxi Shuckers, born in 2015 when the Milwaukee Brewers  moved their Double-A team from Huntsville as the first affiliated minor league baseball team to ever play in Biloxi. The Shuckers name is fitting for a team in an area like this, as the Gulf Coast is known for its oyster harvesting; ‘shucking’ is the slang word for picking oysters. The Shuckers play at Keesler Federal Park, which opened midway through the 2015 season. This 6,000-seat ballpark is situated less than 100 yards from the beaches of the Gulf Coast. Biloxi is also known as a casino destination, and the ballpark sits right in the middle of all the casino action. The luxurious Beau Rivage Casino, a giant lit-up guitar, and Hard Rock Casino line the backdrop at the stadium, providing a scene of glitz and glamour that remains unmatched at any ballpark in the country. A night game at Shuckers Ballpark will almost make you feel like you are in a mini-Vegas, and it’s almost a surreal feeling knowing this was the scene of so much destruction back in August 2005. From 2015-2023 the ballpark was known as MGM Park, but in 2024 was renamed Keesler Federal Park after Biloxi-based Keesler Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in Mississippi, and the credit union itself is so named because it originally served soldiers stationed at nearby Keesler Air Force Base.   Food & Beverage   4 When you play in a city known for such great seafood, you can expect nothing less when it comes to the food options here, which feature six permanent concession stands, each selling a different themed menu, as well as several temporary stands open for select games. Each stand is located on the open concourse so you will never miss a pitch. Down the first baseline you will find two full-service permanent stands, as well as one grab-and-go stand – Shipwreck Grill and Catch of the Game offer the usual grilled items such as hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as fried chicken tenders and fries, plus nachos. If you don't want to wait in the line, however, the grab-and-go stand offers pizza, peanuts, candy, and drinks. Also with a name like Shuckers, of course, they have oysters on the menu – down the first baseline toward right field is the Aw Shucks Grill, which sells southern-themed food items; you can buy jambalaya in a souvenir baseball helmet, grilled or fried oysters, fried shrimp, and boudin sandwiches. Unfortunately, the Aw Shucks Grill is only open for select games, usually during weekend games. The third baseline features a broader selection of concessions, with two permanent stands on that side, namely Biloxi Breeze Tacos, which offers more than just tacos, as you can get the Shuckers signature crawfish queso or red beans and rice, and Lighthouse Pier, featuring some of the Gulf Coast's finest seafood, as you can purchase a shrimp po’ boy or get the seafood basket with hush puppies. In addition, each stand offers a different kind of po’ boy – on my most recent visit they had alligator. For beverages Coca-Cola is the official soft drink provider, and an interesting fact about Biloxi is that Barq’s Root Beer was founded just a couple of blocks from Keesler Federal Park. To honor this fact, behind home plate you can find Barq’s Creamery serving root beer floats and ice cream out of mini baseball helmets. The Shuckers also have two beer gardens, one on each side of the concourse, both offering different draft beers (domestic and local) for $10. The good thing about the Shuckers is they promote local Gulf Coast breweries, serving beer brewed on the coast. At the beer gardens you’ll find many different local breweries, with beers served on draft such as Lazy Magnolia and Southern Prohibition. The Shuckers also partnered with a local brewery to develop their “Let’s Go Shuckers” brand beer.   Atmosphere   4 Situated less than 100 yards off the beach, Keesler Federal Park has perhaps one of the best views in all of minor league baseball – just beyond the outfield wall sits the 32-story Beau Rivage Casino plus Hard Rock Casino, providing a beautiful view that no other ballpark in the Southern League has. In addition, the recent stadium renaming brought several changes to the ballpark; the right field berm has been transformed into a beach paradise for the 2024 season, so you'll feel like you never left the beach, as a boardwalk now occupies the outfield complete with a tiki bar and splash pad. The tiki bar features four TVs and bar seating overlooking right field. Walk down a couple of steps and you'll be walking on a makeshift sandy beach, complete with beach chairs and a giant lifeguard station. Schooner the seagull mascot can often be found at the top of the lifeguard station observing the field. From the outside the ballpark seems kind of small; the park was built right next to an interstate overpass to the west, and with the casinos towering over the stadium to the south the ballpark can easily be overlooked if you are driving by on Highway 90. They recently built a parking garage on the south side of the stadium, so that takes up a lot of the view now from the highway as well. Because of frequent hurricanes and flooding, the concourse at Shuckers Ballpark is elevated. There are two entrances into the park, and unlike most minor league ballparks, there is no entrance behind home plate. Instead the main entrance and ticket booth are both beyond the center field fence, but there is another entrance down the third baseline. Take note of the beautiful grounds outside the stadium when you enter – a lush rose garden greets you as you enter at the center field entrance. The park's beige exterior also ties into the giant Beau Rivage across the street, making it seem like it's a part of the casino. Furthermore, something new added for 2024 outside the stadium at the left field entrance is Shuckers Plaza, a gathering area that includes inflatables, food and beverage options, and a wiffleball field. Bats and balls are even provided; kids and adults alike will enjoy being able to take a swing or play catch before the game. Once inside the ballpark the concourse is wide and open, but there is a noticeable lack of shade inside; with no covering over the concourse it's not so fun when the frequent summer thunderstorms pop up. However, behind home plate sits the new and improved Shuckers Team Store, which was upgraded before the 2024 season. The upper level features a third-base party deck – the party deck has seating for about 30 people and offers a buffet. During summer games you’ll also get excellent breezes coming off the Mississippi Sound, as well as beautiful views of the Gulf Coast waters. The upper level features Kloud7 Sky Box, which offers indoor and outdoor table seating, as well as a full-service bar with televisions and a full restaurant-style menu. In terms of suites, Keesler Federal Park features 12 of them; each can hold up to 12 people and features food and drinks, television access, and indoor and outdoor seating. One of the suites is even themed after the Milwaukee Brewers , and features various Brewers-themed artifacts on display.   Neighborhood   4 Biloxi is a pretty small city of about 48,000 located off the beaten path, about 90 miles east of New Orleans. Biloxi still retains that small-town feel evident in most towns in Mississippi, but the city is also a nightlife destination for the state as well – Biloxi is an extremely popular gaming destination that attracts millions of visitors every year, and is often referred to as the Vegas of the South. Biloxi features nine high-rise casinos, each offering its own themes and amenities. You cannot put a ballpark in a more prime location than Keesler Federal Park; the stadium sits less than 100 yards from the waters of the Mississippi Gulf, conveniently located right downtown near most of the attractions in Biloxi. If you are into gambling you can go from the ballpark to playing whatever casino game you want in less than 10 minutes. Mississippi also recently legalized sports betting, so you’ll be able to bet on almost any sporting event you can imagine before the game – but ironically, minor league games are not available to bet on. Even if you aren’t into gambling, however, I would recommend giving yourself time to walk around the two casinos before or after the game. The inside of the Beau Rivage is stunning – the first floor features an upscale shopping center and restaurants, as well as beautiful, lush tropical gardens that you must see for yourself. The Beau also features plenty of restaurants and entertainment options, as it regularly attracts big-name acts, and even has a virtual top golf area where you can hit a golf ball at a virtual screen. Hard Rock Casino next door is a pretty cool casino as well, and attracts the younger mid to late-20s crowd. Hard Rock features numerous restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, and features a nice display of famous memorabilia from top-name music acts in the lobby. All the casinos in Biloxi have their own unique features, and there is a trolley stop right out in front of the baseball stadium for travel from casino to casino. Even if you are not into gambling, it’s something fun for people to do while in Biloxi. There are also plenty of restaurants in the downtown area within walking distance of Keesler Federal Park – Half Shell Oyster House, Fields Steak & Oyster, Patio 44, Mugshots, Sal & Mookie’s Pizza, The Fill Up, and the oldest restaurant on the Gulf Coast, Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, are just some of the restaurants in the neighborhood within walking distance. For bars you can walk to Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club, Adventures Pub & Spirits, The Sandbar, Mermaid Bar, and The Fillin’ Station, located in an old 50s-style gas station. If you want to stay near the park there are plenty of hotels along the Beach but the closer you are to the water the more expensive they’ll be. For a cheaper alternative I’d recommend driving up the interstate a few miles to D’Iberville and staying at one of the hotels there.   Fans   3 For the Shuckers, the first nine seasons' attendance has not been as great as hoped for. The Shuckers average about 2,400 fans per game, which places them near the bottom of the Southern League. One thing hurting the team is that college sports dominate the area, so minor league baseball takes a backseat for most people in the area. When the Shuckers play it's hard to get a full house, but when Southern Miss  or Mississippi State  play a neutral site game here, expect a standing room only crowd where you can barely walk the concourse. The games with the biggest attendance will be the summer weekend games when they capitalize on the weekend casino and beach crowd, while if you go on Sunday or during the week you should have no problem getting tickets. The Shuckers organization does a great job entertaining the fans; the mascot is a giant seagull named Schooner and is a constant presence interacting with kids and taking part in various games on the field in-between innings. The crawfish race is always a hit with the kids in attendance – crawfish is a Southern delicacy, and the main things you boil with crawfish are potatoes and corn, so in the bottom of the 5th inning mascots dressed as crawfish, corn, and potatoes race from right field to left field, hence the crawfish race. The Shuckers also have a wide variety of promotions and giveaways throughout the season. For example, they’ll wear different color jerseys to match the theme of that night’s promotions. Biloxi is a huge military town, so for military-related promotions they’ll wear camouflage unis, while for Jackie Robinson Day they’ll wear the old yellow and blue Biloxi Dodgers uniforms from the Negro League. But my favorite jersey combo is on New Orleans Saints  Night when the Shuckers invite several current and former Saints players to the game, and the team wears black and gold Saints-inspired jerseys. Also new for 2024 the Shuckers will rebrand themselves with two different identities for eight home games: four games as the Biloxi King Cakes and four games as the Biloxi Beach Chickens, King Cakes paying homage to the Coast's Mardi Gras tradition, and Beach Chickens as the 'slang' word for Seagulls. King Cake and Beach Chickens gear is also sold throughout the season in the team store. Access   3 The best part about coming to Keesler Federal Park is just how easy it is to get here – the park is conveniently located right on the beach at the corner where the I-110 overpass meets Beach Blvd. I-110 is a north/south branch of I-10 about five miles north of Biloxi, so if coming from out of town just take I-10 to exit 22 onto I-110 in D’Iberville, and then go south for about ten minutes until you get to the beach. The first view you’ll get when you arrive in Biloxi is the giant Beau Rivage in front of you, and you can’t miss the ballpark to the left of the overpass. Unfortunately, the Shuckers do not have a public parking lot on site. However, there are over 8,000 parking spaces within a 15-minute walk to the stadium – parking directly across the street to the north is $5, and under the overpass on Howard Ave they also charge $5 to park. But the best place to park is across the street at the Beau Rivage parking garage, where it’s free to park, and there is even a covered walkway that crosses busy Beach Blvd.   Return on Investment   3 Individual tickets for Shuckers games are priced as follows – General Admission for $15 (three sections down the third baseline and five sections down the first baseline); Dugout Box Club seating for $17 (four sections behind each dugout); and the Home Plate Box Club for $19 (three sections behind home plate). Most games won’t come close to a sellout, though, so you shouldn’t ever have trouble getting tickets. There aren’t very many places where you can go to the beach, go to a casino, and then walk across the street to watch a baseball game, so I consider this a great experience. You won’t have to fight traffic and crowds, you will get a great view of the game, and you can park for free – you can’t beat that.   Extras   5 One extra for the unprecedented trials the Shuckers had to go through during their first year as a franchise in 2015 – due to political, financial, and environmental issues the opening of Keesler Federal Park ended up being delayed until mid-way through the season, so the Shuckers had to go on a 54-game, eight city, 2,800-mile road trip playing all their games on the road, as well as some games in their former home in Huntsville. By mid-June Keesler Federal Park finally opened to great fanfare, though, and the Shuckers even ended up making it to the Southern League Championship that first year, and were named Minor League Baseball’s Team of the Year in 2015. Another extra for Biloxi’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina; if you come to Biloxi now there is no sign of the deadly storm, which is quite remarkable considering how it looked then. If you have some time to walk around before the game I recommend the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, which is located about a block east in the town green – there is a water marker there that shows just how high the storm surge was. Also scattered throughout the park are tree stumps with various coastal art inscribed; these are the remains of dead trees that were destroyed during Katrina. Another extra for the great marketing job the Shuckers have done. Some minor league teams have generic nicknames and mascots, but the Shuckers have a nickname that is unique, charming, funny, and specific to the Gulf Coast. It’s a shame that more people don’t attend games here because the Shuckers have capitalized on the culture of the Gulf Coast region as a whole. Keesler Federal Park is the only ballpark in the country where you can watch baseball on the beach while eating fried oysters or jambalaya, all while a giant seagull entertains fans and a giant crawfish runs around in-between innings. Everything here ties into the culture and uniqueness that makes the Mississippi Gulf Coast so special; this is a great job of local branding by the Shuckers. Also, of course, one extra for the beautiful view of the casino skyline at Keesler Federal Park – on a clear day from different vantage points of the stadium you can see all of Biloxi’s eight casinos. In addition, you can go from the stadium to the beach or to gamble in less than 10 minutes, and I can’t think of any other ballpark in American where you can do that at.

Photos by Paul Donaldson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.71 Magnolia Field Fannie Lou Hammer St Itta Bena, MS 38941 Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils website Magnolia Field website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 200 Baseball in the Valley Magnolia Field is home to Delta Devil baseball on the campus of Mississippi Valley State University. The atmosphere at Magnolia Field is cozy and friendly. Most of the fans in attendance are family or friends of the players, with a couple of staunch Delta Devils Athletics supporters. Located in West Mississippi, you’ll likely only find yourself at the ballpark if you are following your favorite SWAC baseball team on a road trip or are family of one of the players. The ballpark is humble, doesn’t have concessions, but won’t cost you thing since admission is free. Food & Beverage 0 Make sure plans are made for snacks and drinks prior to heading out to Magnolia Field, because there are no concessions. With that said, you can bring in your own refreshments without any hassle. Atmosphere 1 Magnolia Field is a small and humble home ballpark for the Delta Devils. The stadium consists of three small sets of bleachers which flank a press box which lies directly behind home base. A small tent is erected near the third base dugout where a few fans seek the shade along the fence in the comfort of their tailgate chairs. A black chain link fence set atop a small red brick wall separates the seats behind home plate from the playing field. A small scoreboard sits beyond the right field fence providing limited information. The natural grass playing field shows signs of wear and could use some TLC. The outfield wall is a tall black chain link fence. Neighborhood 2 The city of Itta Bena is home to Mississippi Valley State University and Magnolia Field. The ballpark is adjacent to Rice-Totten Field. The campus of MVSU is a comfortable and safe environment to enjoy a baseball game. It’s located a few miles away from Itta Bena, which doesn’t have a lot to offer in terms of restaurants and attractions. Larry’s Fish House and the Capricorn Internet Cafe are places to eat, if you’re dedicated to eating in the area. Otherwise, you might find more options in Indianola or Greenwood, both about a 20 minute drive from the campus. Fans 1 College baseball is not a very popular sport among most SWAC institutions and this trend is no different at The Valley. Typical crowds can usually be counted on both hands and rarely top 100. Fans in attendance are usually friends and family of the players with a few strong supports of Delta Devil athletics. Access 4 Itta Bena is accessible off I-55 in west Mississippi via Highway 82. Once you arrive on campus, Magnolia Field is just past the football stadium. A parking lot past a dorm allows ample free parking. The seating area is just a short walk from there. Considering that attendance is free, getting into the stadium is a breeze due to there being no need to purchase or pick up tickets. A restroom facility is located near the parking lot just beyond left field. Return on Investment 3 Return on investment is a mixed bag. Considering there’s literally no cost in attending the game, it’s hard to assess any type or return on an investment you don’t have to make. However, unless you are a loyal follower of MVSU athletics, there’s little return on your time investment either in driving out to the ballpark or watching the game. . Extras 1 While most venues offer some type of “extra” component which sets it apart from other experiences, the atmosphere at Magnolia Field is bare bones. The “One Team One Valley” sign on the dugout adds some fanfare to an otherwise stale environment.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 LoanMart Field 8408 Rochester Ave Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 Rancho Cucamonga Quakes website LoanMart Field website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 6,200 The Epicenter California’s Inland Empire is a great market for minor-league baseball.  In less than 90 minutes, fans can stop by the stadiums of three minor league franchises.  Perhaps the most storied of all of these franchises, call the city of Rancho Cucamonga its home. The franchise is well known by stadium travelers due to its unforgettable city name, regionally appropriate nickname, comfortable venue, and reputation for a great fan experience. Opened as The Epicenter in 1992 at a cost of around $20 million, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and the stadium have enjoyed a prosperous run. Since its debut, the venue has snagged the record for single-season attendance among the California League, has been purchased by an investment group that includes former Royal-great George Brett and has had a renovation in 2008. In 2013, the Epicenter became known as LoanMart Field after the franchise signed a ten-year naming rights agreement. Even with the name change, folks still fondly refer to the yard as The Epicenter. Food & Beverage 4 For those who may have been accustomed to the traditional Dodger Dog, you may be somewhat disappointed that it is no longer served. However, a Hoffy all-beef dog has replaced the much loved Dodger Dog and is equally just as enjoyable sans the Dodger tie-in.  Other items on the menu include a Quakes bacon cheeseburger, pepperoni pizza slices, brats, BBQ pulled pork sandwich, Philly cheesesteak, chicken tenders/wings, and fries.  If you’re in the mood for some South of The Border tastings, carne asada fries, Mexican-style street corn, burritos, nachos in a souvenir helmet, and quesadillas, all with the choice of carne asada, chicken, or carnitas are available at the left field cantina.  If carrying a sweet tooth, soft serve ice cream, churros, and churro sundaes are served up in a souvenir helmet. Cotton candy and assorted candy varieties are also available.  Pepsi product sodas are sold as well as bottled water and Gatorade. Domestic brew options from Anheuser Busch and Coors products are available as well as premium craft brews ranging from Firestone 805, Kona Big Wave, and Elysian Contact Haze IPA. Atmosphere 5 The Epicenter is a truly beautiful venue, where the sun is likely always shining, and the tree-lined outfield fence is only overshadowed by the towering San Gabriel Mountains in the distance. One thing you will see a lot in the stands are blue-clad fans. As in, Dodger Blue. Since joining the Dodgers farm system in 2011, the Quakes have added Dodger Blue to their color scheme, and it shows in the stands as fans are dressed in both Quakes and Dodgers attire. The affiliation with the Dodgers gives fans an added enthusiasm.  As they enter The Epicenter there’s this feeling in the air that they are watching the future of their big league team. Neighborhood 4 The neighborhood is located where the Mohave Trail, Old Spanish Trail, Santa Fe Trail, El Camino Real, and the former Route 66 all meet. Fans will notice many of the old Route 66 markers throughout the streets on the way to the stadium, particularly along Foothill Blvd. The stadium is located in the Rancho Cucamonga Adult Sports Park, surrounded by three softball fields and two soccer fields. Just a few minutes away are most of your common fast food eateries as well as several other sit-down options at nearby Victoria Gardens. Richie’s Real American Diner is your standard diner that also offers a wood-smoked BBQ. Richie’s Diner pays tribute to the local area’s Route 66 roots. Fans 4 During the history of the franchise, the team has at one point or another been affiliated with each of the three Southern California MLB teams ( Padres , Angels , and Dodgers ). Rancho Cucamonga Quakes MLB Affiliations, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey The Rancho Cucamonga fans are a passionate bunch. Due to its current affiliation with the Dodgers as well as its proximity to L.A., don’t be surprised should you see plenty of Dodger Blue in the stands. The Quakes do an outstanding job of marketing their product as well as paying tribute to their parent club, even adding Dodger Blue to their color scheme. So knowledgeable and passionate are the fans here about both the Single A and the big club, should you walk around Dodger Stadium in Rancho Cucamonga Quakes gear chances are good you will have a fan or two come up and pay you a compliment. Access 4 Depending on traffic, Rancho Cucamonga can be anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes away from Downtown Los Angeles. The stadium is located not far from the 10, 15 and 210 freeways. Parking is very plentiful and reasonable at $5. Should a huge crowd be expected especially for a fireworks night game, overflow parking is also available on a lot across the street from the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Compared to the parent club in L.A. ticket prices are still a bargain though somewhat pricey for Single A baseball, with prices starting at $18 for Club Box seats to $22 for The Super Box.  The Dugout Deck, located next to the Quakes’ third base dugout sells for $29 and provides tables for families and friends to place their food and personal items. If bringing along a group of four, the Strike Zone provides table seating between the dugouts atop the Super Box aisles at a total of $133. Extras 4 The tree-lined outfield wall and San Gabriel Mountains in the distance provide a truly perfect baseball setting. LoanMart Field is located in the Rancho Cucamonga Adult Sports Park and is surrounded by recreational baseball/softball diamonds. If any of the fields are empty, visiting fans can easily find some space to play a game or simply toss a baseball back and forth. Also in the concourse, fans will find the day’s starting lineups and current California League standings. Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Starting Lineups, Photo by Andre Ojeda, Stadium Journey Along the left field concourse is the All-Star Walk of Fame. LoanMart Field Walk of Fame, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey This display dates back to the team’s infancy in 1993 and pays tribute to every notable Padre, Angel, and, Dodger that ever donned a Quakes uniform either as a step to the bigs or a stop on a rehab assignment. The list along the Walk that includes among others Clayton Kershaw, Wally Joyner, and recent Hall of Fame inductee Vladimir Guerrero is both plentiful and impressive. Dodgers Passing Through Rancho, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Since 1992 many a future Big Leaguer has passed through the foothills of the Inland Empire.  Rancho Cucamonga will continue to be the Single-A West Coast affiliate for the Dodgers for the foreseeable future.  The Quakes continue to be a leader in the California League circuit. Being located an hour from Downtown Los Angeles and its affiliation with the Dodgers benefits the Quakes greatly as evidenced by all the blue and white in the stands. One final fun fact. As you approach LoanMart Field one of the entrances that LoanMart Field is located on is named after the late great comedian Jack Benny. Click here  for more fun facts on Jack Benny’s ties to the city of Rancho.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 M. M. Roberts Stadium 118 College Dr Hattiesburg, MS 39406 Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles website M. M. Roberts Stadium website Year Opened: 1932 Capacity: 36,000 Welcome to the Rock The 2022 season marks a new era for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. After completing the last 27 seasons in Conference USA, the Golden Eagles are now in a new conference, the Sun Belt Conference. For a mid-major program in football, this school of 14,000 students in the pine belt of southern Mississippi has a pretty storied football history in itself. In 105 seasons of football, the Southern Miss program has won over 70% of the 1,059 games they've played. In addition, the Golden Eagles have won 8 Conference Championships, including 5 C-USA Championships. They've played in 26 bowl games, winning 13 of them, and won two Small College National Championships when they finished undefeated in 1958 and 1959. Southern Miss has also produced over 100 players who have played in the NFL, including two Pro Football Hall of Famers, perhaps the greatest quarterback of all time Brett Favre and perhaps the NFL's best punter of all time Ray Guy. The Southern Miss football program was born in 1912 when the college was known as Mississippi Normal School, and the nickname was the Normality. The team played football games at Kamper Park, a public park near campus where the Hattiesburg Zoo is located today. The school has gone by many names and nicknames over the 100-plus year history, including the Mississippi State Teachers College Yellow Jackets (1926-1939), Mississippi Southern Southerners (1940-1961), and Southern Miss Southerners (1962-1971) before finally settling on the Golden Eagles nickname in 1972. Since 1932 the Golden Eagles have played on-campus at Historic M. M. Roberts Stadium, a.k.a. The Rock. Named after a Southern Miss alumnus, the stadium was completely rebuilt and dedicated to M. M. Roberts for the 1976 season. Before that, the stadium was known as Faulkner Field, named after a local businessman. It was built with the help of the football players hauling concrete and thus is how the stadium received the nickname “The Rock”. Over the last 90 years, The Rock has become one of the more intimidating settings in college football with the Golden Eagles having a .690 winning percentage at home. Food and Beverage 3 There are 16 concession stands open during games with four stands on each concourse – each stand is called ‘Eagle Bites’ and sells the basics and not much else. The menu includes hot dog combos ($9) and hamburger or sausage combos ($10), with each combo meal coming with a souvenir cup that normally costs $7 to buy alone, so I consider the combo meals a good deal. You could also buy the items separately with hot dogs at $4 and hamburgers or sausage for $5. Other items sold on the menu include roasted peanuts and nachos ($4), popcorn, pretzels, and candy ($3). There are also two Southern Miss BBQ stands located on the east side (one on the upper and one on the lower level). The BBQ stand sells pulled pork and brisket sandwiches for $6. Alcohol is sold in the stands with 16 oz. domestic beers (Miller, Coors, or Michelob) sell for $6. They also sell 16 oz. premium beers (Voodoo Ranger IPA and Gold Rush) for $8. Gold Rush is a Southern Miss exclusive beer introduced by a local Southern Prohibition Brewery and features an Eagle and the Southern Miss logo on the can. Coca-Cola is the official soft drink provider of Southern Miss athletics, and they sell souvenir cups for $7 or a 22 oz. paper cup for $4. Atmosphere 4 With Southern Miss's move to the Sun Belt Conference, expect better competition and a better atmosphere at The Rock. There is a certain buzz around the campus for the 2022 season, something that hasn't been felt on this campus in a long time. The action begins early in the day as you can find people tailgating scattered throughout campus. The alumni and older groups of fans will be tailgating on the south side of campus, while the college students and fraternities tailgate in Spirit Park located just outside the stadium. You can find many food trucks in Spirit Park, and they have a large stage where a band will put on a concert. Two and a half hours before kickoff is perhaps the most famous game day tradition, the Eagle Walk – the football team will make a small parade around the stadium as they head into the locker room, accompanied by the famed Pride of Mississippi Marching Band and the Dixie Darlings dance team. The football team will walk down a section on the east side of the stadium lined with banners of past Southern Miss greats, and banners of all the bowl games the Golden Eagles have played in. Another popular gameday tradition at Southern Miss is the painting of the Little Rock, which is a rock about 3 feet wide on the south side of campus. During the week leading up to games, students will paint the rock with a popular saying related to the team they are playing against that weekend. The mascot is a giant Golden Eagle named Seymour and he is a constant presence interacting with the crowd among the fans and students. Once inside the stadium it is easy to see how the stadium gets its nickname – the Rock is a large concrete structure that rises straight into the air. The stadium is an older-style stadium with an upper and lower level separated by two concourses under the bleachers. The stadium features a two-level grandstand on the east and west sides of the stadium, with all bleacher-style seating. For years the stadium was open behind both the north and south end zones, but in 2008 they filled in the south end zone with 3,000 additional seats on ground level, and two stories of suites with a total of 48. There is also an indoor club level in the south end zone on the third floor called the Touchdown Club; the Club is completely climate controlled and features several couches and TVs, as well as different food options and a full-service bar that are not found on the concourse. You can walk right outside to a completely covered section with comfortable chairback seats, the only seating in the stadium that is covered. In the north end zone, they installed the football field house in 2009 and a larger video board that same year. For more premium seating there is an indoor stadium club on the east side as well called the Stadium Club. Southern Miss has three retired numbers, and they are honored with displays around the stadium – Brett Favre (#4), Ray Guy (#44), and Reggie Collier (#10) are the people who have had their numbers retired by Southern Miss. The stadium holds sound pretty well but can look half-empty, even with the somewhat decent crowd during the 2022 season. It wouldn't look as bad if The Rock wasn't so tall and instead built a little closer to ground level; then it wouldn't look half empty. You’ll also find people scattered throughout the stadium, so there will often be entire sections with just a few people sitting in them. The entire upper deck almost has no one sitting in the seats. It would be nice if they would just tarp off the upper deck to make it look like a much more intimate atmosphere. The east side of the stadium is where most of the fans will be sitting, with the student section taking up the southeast section of the stadium. If they aren't going to tarp off the upper deck then I recommend sitting up there for great views of the field – almost no one sits up there and you'll have the entire section to yourself. Neighborhood 3 Hattiesburg (a.k.a. The Burg) is a decent-sized city of about 50,000 people, so it has everything you could want in a city and still retains that college town feels. The Burg has a wide selection of bars and restaurants, but unlike most college towns they are not located near each other – instead they are spread out throughout the town. Within walking distance of M. M. Roberts Stadium, you'll find places like Patio 44, Brewsky's, and 4th Street Bar; if you’re looking for vintage Southern Miss memorabilia on the walls of a hole-in-the-wall then 4th Street Bar is your place, while Keg & Barrel, The Porter, and Nostalgia are popular places closer to downtown. As a southern city, Hattiesburg has its fair share of restaurants centered on the local fare; popular spots include Crescent City Grill, Brass Hat, Midtown, Chesterfields, Ed's Burger Joint, Stricks, and Murky Waters BBQ. Also, as one of Mississippi's largest cities, there is plenty to do for all ages – for families, there's the Hattiesburg Zoo and the Pocket Museum, which is located in an alleyway downtown next to the Saenger Theatre. The Pocket Museum is Mississippi's tiniest museum, and each month the museum changes to a different theme. If you come to a game during October make sure you check out the spooky Halloween display that is spread out throughout the alley and at the Zoo. For shopping, there are plenty of chain stores and the Turtle Creek Mall. Another popular spot worth shopping is The Lucky Rabbit downtown, a two-story vintage thrift store that has everything including all kinds of old Southern Miss memorabilia and t-shirts. Or if you are into the outdoors there is Long Leaf Trace, a 44-mile bike trail that runs right through campus right next to the Wellness Center, while Paul B. Johnson State Park just south of Hattiesburg is an excellent place for camping. Fans 3 For the 2022 season, Southern Miss is averaging about 25,000 fans per game, which ranks about third in the conference in attendance. Southern Miss has a dedicated fan base with many of these fans going through the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Southern Miss fans take great pride in the University because unlike most schools most of them are graduates of the university – they can remember the glory days of the football program back when names like Brett Favre and Reggie Collier played here, or when the Golden Eagles played Alabama almost every year and even won a few games, back when Jeff Bower coached the program for 18 winning seasons. The fans also remember the not-so-great moments of the Southern Miss program, like the 2012 and 2013 seasons when they went a combined 1-23, including losing 23 straight games. Hattiesburg is also a different kind of town than the other college towns in Mississippi; many graduates tend to live in Hattiesburg after graduation because of its large size. There are also a lot of grads who tend to live in the south and central Mississippi, so it's much easier for them to make it to games on weekends. The move to the Sun Belt Conference, also makes new rivalries for the Golden Eagles, as all the schools are located in the Southeast. When teams like South Alabama play expect lots of visiting fans in attendance. The student section has also seen an increase in attendance, with almost the entire student section being full during games. During the first defensive possession after halftime they will hold up a giant banner that says “Here Comes the Nasty Bunch” – the large banner takes up the entire student section and is named after the famed Southern Miss defense in the 90s that was nicknamed the “Nasty Bunch”. Access 4 There is a reason Hattiesburg is nicknamed the 'Hub City', as it is one of the most accessible cities in the State. Conveniently located about an hour and a half from the coast, New Orleans, Jackson, and Mobile, Hattiesburg sits right in the middle of it all. You will not miss the campus as you come into Hattiesburg, as it is located on the corner of Highway 49 and Hardy Street, the two busiest roads in town. The Southern Miss campus is kind of small, only one square block, so you can see The Rock from practically anywhere on campus. The stadium is located on the north side of campus, but once on campus, it can be kind of confusing drive because many of the streets are one-way. Most of the parking on campus is reserved for pass holders, however, you will find a few free lots on the other side of 4th Street. My favorite place to park for free for football games is at the baseball stadium, Pete Taylor Park. There are also a few businesses that charge to park located along the east side of Highway 49 across from the stadium. The Southern Miss campus is also one of the smallest D1 colleges in the country, so you should have no problem walking around on campus. The Rock itself is also easy to get around, with a wide concourse and plenty of concession stands that don't back up. Return on Investment 4 Tickets aren't hard to come by, although if you order tickets directly off the website they will have higher prices – on the athletics website to sit in the upper deck it will cost $25, or to sit in the lower deck $40 to $50, which can be kind of steep. My recommendation would be to check secondary websites like Stubhub and Vivant Seats, where you can easily purchase tickets for $15 to $20. They also don't have anybody checking tickets, so it is possible to move around throughout the stadium if you want. Extras 3 The Southern Miss campus is a nice campus to walk around before the game; the campus is very small so it is possible to walk around the whole campus in less than 45 minutes. The Southern Miss campus is a great Southern campus with all kinds of sights and sounds to experience. Some of my favorite sights on campus include the All-American Rose Garden and the giant Eagle sculpture at the front entrance. Also, check out the old 1890s-era Roberts School House, still in its original form, or The Hub at the center of campus, where in the mid-1960s Jimmy Buffett could be seen playing his guitar here in-between classes. But my favorite thing to do while on campus is walking down the famous Eagle Walk – the Eagle Walk is deserving of an extra all by itself. 44 former players and coaches are honored with banners hanging from the stadium under the east side. All 26 bowls the Golden Eagles have played in are honored as well, including the 1958 and 1959 Small College National Championships. The Eagle Walk is also a cool place to be before the game when the team walks by into the stadium. Another extra because not very many college football teams can lay claim to having two of the best positional players to ever play football – Brett Favre, arguably considered one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play football during his 20-year NFL career, and Ray Guy, who played for the Oakland/LA Raiders for 14 seasons, winning 3 Super Bowls and being elected to the Pro Bowl 7 times. Ray Guy is considered the greatest punter to ever play football and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, as well as became the only punter ever enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Ray Guy was a fixture at Southern Miss games until he sadly passed away during the 2022 football season. His legacy will forever be known at Southern Miss, as the street on the north side of the stadium is called Ray Guy Lane.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Thomas M. Ryan Center 1 Lincoln Almond Plaza Kingston, RI 02881 Rhode Island Rams website Thomas M. Ryan Center website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 8,000 Raising a Ruckus The Thomas M. Ryan Center, named for the University of Rhode Island class of 1975 alumnus and primary benefactor of the arena, was built in 2002 to replace the aging and undersized Keaney Gymnasium. The building is located adjacent to Meade Stadium on the western edge of campus, with the football stadium’s visiting side bleachers built directly into the side of the basketball arena. The Rams have made the NCAA tournament ten times in their history, advancing as far as the Elite Eight in 1998. In addition, URI has played in the National Invitational Tournament 15 times, making the semi-finals on three occasions. 17 URI alumni have gone on to play in the NBA. Food & Beverage 3 There are a total of five concession stands that line the concourse of the Ryan Center. The menu doesn’t stray very far from arena basics, but visiting fans should be able to find something to ease any hunger pangs that arise during the game. But beware, some of the more unique items that used to highlight the menus are no longer offered. Each stand offers a slightly different menu, so you may have to do some searching to find your desired items. Hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, grilled chicken sandwiches and personal pizzas anchor the menus. Of course, fans will find sides including nachos, fries, pretzels and popcorn at all the stands. Coca-Cola products are featured at the Ryan Center. Among the adult beverages sold here are brews from local favorites Narragansett and Shaidzon Beer as well as versions of the popular Chair 2 Light Beers. Woodbridge Wine is also available at all stands. For a little more local flavor, seek out the Del’s Lemonade cart. Nothing screams “Rhode Island” like a cup of Del’s. Atmosphere 4 Stadium Journey’s most recent visit to Kingston happened during Thanksgiving break, but the absence of the student body did little to dampen the mood on this day. The cheerleading squad, dance team and mascot, Ruckus the Ram, were all out in full force to help create noise during play stoppages, and the dedicated Rams fans took it from there. Play stoppages are filled with contests, giveaways and more to keep the energy level up and the fans engaged. If you’re a fan of t-shirt tosses, dance cams and the like, you’re sure to have a good time at the Ryan Center. A large video board in one corner of the arena shows game stats, replays and other information. There’s an emcee who pops up from time to time to pump up the crowd with chants of “Rhody, Rhody, Rhody.” The student body generally shows up in strong numbers, as this is one of the rare schools in New England where basketball is top dog. Despite being overshadowed by Providence College in the local sports scene, the Rams have plenty of their own dedicated fans. Neighborhood 2 One area where the Ryan Center may come up short when compared to peer facilities is its location. Even though URI boasts an enrollment of over 18,000 students, there’s just not much to do in the area around campus. Providence is about 30 miles to the north. During the summer the nearby coastal towns of Narragansett and Newport are popular destinations, but not so much during basketball season. Visiting fans looking for somewhere to eat or stay during their visit to Kingston will have a bit of driving to do before finding something. Mews Tavern, featuring 69 beers on tap and an excellent pub menu, is a favorite of locals. Tavern on Main, also located in Wakefield, is another popular spot. Aside from a Holiday Inn on Route One, there’s not many lodging options near campus. History buffs may want to check out the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum located in Saunderstown. Otherwise, head to Providence or to the coast to find more options. Fans 4 Attendance at the Ryan Center has dipped over the past couple of seasons as the team has struggled, topping out at just over 5,000 fans per game. While a decrease, this still puts the Rams over the Atlantic-10 average. A typical URI crowd is made up of locals, alumni and families enjoying a night of entertainment in southern Rhode Island. While the lions’ share of the local media attention in the area goes to Providence College, the University of Rhode Island has their share of ardent supporters. Parents can feel comfortable bringing their children to a Rams game. The student section turns out in good numbers armed with props and chants designed to distract and annoy the opponent. Along with a solid pep band, cheer and dance squads, they help to create a festive atmosphere at the Ryan Center. Access 4 The Ryan Center is located on the western edge of the URI campus in rural Kinston, Rhode Island, adjacent to Meade Stadium and Bill Beck Field . Driving here from Providence will take about 40 minutes on a typical day. Getting to the T.F. Green Airport is a 20-minute drive, and the Kingston Amtrak station is just a mile and a half away. Complete directions to the Ryan Center can be found here . Parking lots are located on the north and south sides of the Ryan Center. Parking is free in these lots, but it can be a long walk to your car on a frigid Rhode Island night. Fans requiring handicapped parking or VIP treatment can inquire about parking in the Rhody Lot directly in front of the arena. There is a charge for this VIP parking. The Ryan Center practices a clear bag policy, with no other bags except for small clutches permitted, so make sure you leave anything else in your car. It might be a long walk back. There are entrances on either end of the arena. Fans will enter at ground level, with stairs leading up to the main concourse. The concourse, which is carpeted, encircles the entire arena and is open on one corner, where the video board is located. The concourse overlooks Meade Stadium on one side, and the Ryan Center is open during football games. Concession stands and rest rooms are plentiful enough for a typical Rams crowd, and lines are not an issue here. All seats are individual Rhody blue folding stadium seats. The upper level features a very steep pitch, which ensures excellent views of the action on the court from all points inside the Ryan Center. The furthest seat is only 74 feet from the basketball court. The intimate design of the Ryan Center means that the building can get very loud when the Rams are on a roll. Return on Investment 5 Rhode Island utilizes variable pricing for Rams games, with tickets to marquee games ranging in price from $20-$35, featured games ranging from $15-$30 and tickets to most other games priced from $12-$22. Even Club seats can be affordable. Purchasing tickets on game day will add $3-$5 to the price. Complete pricing information can be found here . Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the Ryan Center. Concession prices, while not inexpensive, are in line with other venues in the area. Extras 4 The University’s Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the Ryan Center. Plaques honoring the enshrined line the walls throughout the facility. Banners honoring URI championship and tournament teams hang from the rafters of the Ryan Center along with five honored numbers from distinguished alumni. Check out the trophy case displaying the Rams’ collection of hardware won over their history. It may seem like a meager haul for a team that’s as storied as the Rams, but it’s a nice display. Another extra point is awarded for the design of the Ryan Center, which is meant to evoke visions of nearby beaches. The stair towers are designed to resemble lighthouses, and the carpets on the concourse contain wave patterns on them, as well as shades of blue and tan found on the beach. It is a very pleasing venue to the eye. Final Thoughts The Ryan Center is an excellent venue that suffers in comparison to its peers primarily due to its location. Place this outstanding arena in a major city, and the rave reviews would roll in. Nevertheless, it is a great place to catch a basketball game, combining intimacy and convenience. It’s a worthy Stadium Journey for any hoops junkie visiting New England. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Conrad Klank, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Ohio Stadium 411 Woody Hayes Dr Columbus, OH 43210 Ohio State Buckeyes website Ohio Stadium website Year Opened: 1922 Capacity: 102,329 Band Together The Ohio State Buckeyes were the winner of the first College Football Playoff, taking the 2014 title as the fourth seed and bringing the program and the B1G back to the forefront of the sport, after several years of southern domination. This is only fitting, because Ohio Stadium, home of the Buckeyes, is one of the best sporting destinations in the land and the team on the field often matches the overall game day experience. Opened in 1922, “The Horseshoe” has hosted generations of Buckeye fans and continues to evolve and expand to keep the beloved venue modern. Ohio Stadium has a capacity just under 105,000, and led all of college football in average attendance in 2014. Food & Beverage 4 Brutus’ Best, named after the Buckeye mascot, is ubiquitous but best avoided as their offerings are limited to standard stadium fare. Hot dogs are $4; an all-beef Brutus Dog is $5, while a bratwurst is $5.50. Nachos, popcorn, pretzels, and candy round out the lineup here. Instead, try to find something at one of the unique concessions or portable stands around the lower concourse. Examples include O’Wich’s Smashed Sandwiches (Cajun, Buffalo Chicken, Three-Cheese) for $8.50 and Donato’s Pizza with cheese or pepperoni pies running $7.50 while an Italian sub is $8.50. Roosters at the Shoe in the south end crows about their boneless wings at $8.50 along with a Roosters Nest (curly fries topped with those very same wings, sauce, nacho cheese, bacon bits, and green onion) for $12. The Short North Bagel Deli has five varieties of bagel sandwiches with the Good Ole Goodale (turkey, cream cheese, colby, avocado, lettuce and honey mustard) the most tempting option and relatively inexpensive at $7. Yellow Boy’s Polish Boys are $8 while those who have a lighter appetite can try Tradition’s Grilled Cheese Sandwiches for $6. Panera Bread is another national chain here, with sliders for $7 or a bacon turkey bravo for $9. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy a cinnamon roll for $3.50 among other desserts. This list is by no means complete, so get there early and look around before choosing. Alcohol is not served, but bottles of Coke products are $4, while fountain beverages are $5.50 for a souvenir cup and an extra buck for the large souvenir. Atmosphere 5 From the moment you reach the edge of campus, the anticipation builds. Tailgate tents are set up for about a square mile in all directions. Night games, a relative rarity at Ohio Stadium, give fans a chance to start partying from well before noon. As you walk through the sea of red, you know you are in for a treat. Located along Woody Hayes Drive, Ohio Stadium doesn’t look that big from far away, at least when compared to some of these new behemoths like AT&T Stadium in Dallas. It was built in 1922 with an original capacity of 66,210, so its footprint is considerably smaller, but it still sits 104,944, and when you add some standing only tickets, attendance exceeds 108,000 for marquee matchups. Enter via the main entrance beneath the rotunda at the north end of the stadium, genuflecting beneath the stained glass windows that were installed as part of a renovation in 2001. The concourses are quite barren, with little decoration, but once you enter the seating bowl, you will be stunned. The venue is nicknamed the Horseshoe, as you will notice standing at the top of the north stands. A large scoreboard sits above the south end, while a smaller one adorns the north side. Note the 2014 championship year along the railing at the north end of the stadium. There is much chanting going on before the game, with the four stands chanting O-H-I-O alternately, starting with the south stand. A number of other chants are heard throughout the game. Everybody has lots of fun, except the poor visiting fans. Chanting continues throughout the game and is a huge part of the fantastic atmosphere here. The OSU Marching Band (often referred to as The Best Damn Band in the Land) marches out of the north ramp (known as the “ramp entrance”) around 20 minutes before kickoff and immediately puts on one of the most entertaining shows you’ll see. The pregame show is similar each week, with the highlight being the creation of the Script Ohio and the dotting of the i. Make sure to be in your seats at least 30 minutes prior to kickoff to see this. Of course, Hang On Sloopy is also played (study the words before you go). The band also performs at halftime with a different theme each week. Extremely impressive, though in some cases you need to look at the big screen to see exactly what their formation represents if you are not sitting high on the east side. From start to finish, it is a wild ride at Ohio Stadium and one that can be enjoyed throughout the entire day. Neighborhood 5 The campus of The Ohio State University is just a couple of miles north of downtown Columbus and quite attractive in its own right. Just north of the stadium is Lane Avenue which has a few bars, including the Varsity Club and the Thirsty Scholar. A few minutes east at the corner of Lane and High Street is a Buffalo Wild Wings, the Library Bar, and the Little Bar, all doing great business before a game. There are also a number of eateries catering to students here, such as the Chop Shop, a hamburger joint next to the BWW. Further north you can find Hendoc’s Pub (2375 North High St), a relaxed bar with decent beer specials, and Hounddog’s Pizza (2657 North High St) which serves excellent food and is a great late night option as it’s open 24 hours a day. If you return to downtown, you have another wide range of options around Nationwide Arena as well as the Short North district. Safe to say you will not have any difficulty discovering a spot to eat or drink either before or after the game. Fans 5 The game I attended was dubbed “Black Saturday in the Shoe” and Ohio State wore black uniforms for the first time in their history. Fans were asked to wear black and many responded as the majority of the crowd sported some sort of black attire, a very impressive look. Beyond this, fans are well behaved and friendly to visiting supporters (except those from Michigan). Given how much tailgating is taking place outside,you may expect a rowdier crowd similar to what you get at NFL games, but that is not the case. At the recent game I attended, there was one obnoxious gentleman nearby but he was quieted down by the ushers and those around him who just wanted to watch the game. Some fans smuggle in flasks, but the lack of alcohol sales does tend to keep things under control. Fans participate in the chants throughout the game and love their team and the overall experience. I left very impressed with the Buckeye fan base. Access 4 There are several game day lots (scarlet lots on this map) surrounding the stadium, each of which costs $15. The lots west of SR 315 are quite empty four hours before game time and do provide shuttle service, though afterwards, there is traffic on the surface streets for several blocks. Traffic moves well in general, both in the immediate vicinity of the stadium and further afield. If you don’t mind walking a mile or so, you might be able to find free street parking without meters (which are in effect until 10 pm even on Saturday). Columbus transit also provides shuttle service to the game, though with parking at the Expo Center at $5 and the shuttle ride at $5.50, I’m not sure it is worth it. Make sure to get into the stadium early because there is a lot going on and it takes time to tour. With the small footprint, concourses can get crowded, especially on the upper levels, while the entrances get very busy in the last half-hour before kickoff as the tailgating population emerges from their tents around the same time. If you wait too long, you will miss the band’s must-see, pregame performance. Capacity increased after some end zone seats were added for 2015, but there isn’t really a bad seat in the place. It takes about 30 minutes to tour around, checking food options and trying to get pictures from different angles. Ushers guard every entryway but are friendly and will let you through to take a photo or two. Washrooms can get crowded, especially at halftime, so plan accordingly. After the game, the stairways going down will be quite busy, so take your time as some of them are rather narrow. Once you are clear of the stadium, foot traffic moves well and there are dozens of police officers assisting drivers in exiting the area quickly. Return on Investment 5 Tickets vary in price depending on the opponent. For the 2015 season, prices ranged from $65 for weak non-conference opponents, $79 for less popular conference foes, $125 for Penn State, and $150 for Michigan State. For these high-demand games, tickets are very difficult to get through public sale, and you will need to get on the official site as soon as they go on sale as they sell out within minutes. The secondary market is no cheaper as this team draws well over 100,000 for every game. There are three seating decks, A, B, and C, with even-numbered sections on the west and odd- numbered sections on the east. Even from high up, you get a good view, though binoculars are helpful. Despite the price, the experience is unparalleled in all of sports. With only six or seven home games per year, you have very few opportunities to get here and even at $150, it is worth it if you are a stadium journeyer. Extras 4 For those who want to see more of the band, there is a “Skull Session” at nearby St. John’s Arena where the band practices, with doors opening four hours before the game. The rotunda is the unique area that marks the main entrance to the stadium on the north side. There are several plaques here commemorating the football program and the stadium itself, as well as three stained glass windows showing football scenes that were added in 2001. If you don’t think Ohio State Football is a religion, you will after seeing these. Just in front of the rotunda is a sculpture that honors Jesse Owens, who attended Ohio State and won a record eight individual championships before going on to world fame at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. I enjoyed the reaction of the fans to the Michigan muffed punt that cost them the game against Michigan State. This low-light was played several times on the scoreboard before the game, leading to a lot of cheering from the assembled. Final Thoughts Ohio Stadium is doubtless one of the top experiences for a sports traveler. College football home games are truly events and if you haven’t been to one of the football stadiums in the Big Ten, consider Ohio State as the perfect place to start.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 William S. Johnson Arena 1416 Spring St. Jeffersonville, IN 47130 Jeffersonville HS Red Devils website William S. Johnson Arena website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 5,306 The Home to High School Hoops in Jeffersonville Jeffersonville High School basketball began in 1906, and in little over a century, the program has won 1,649 games, 34 sectional titles, 16 regional championships, six semi-states, and one state title. The list also includes 12 members of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and 11 Indiana All-Stars. One of those Hall of Famers is William Johnson, whom the building is named after, who served as the team captain for two seasons and led the Devils to 31 consecutive victories heading into the 1935 State Championship. However, mysterious circumstances on that final day of the tournament in which the Devils played three games without their head coach Hunk Francis who was found “in a stupor” in a taxi cab by his players that morning. He was incapacitated during the team’s final day of play. Devils head coach Janis “Hunk” Francis was found in a stupor in a taxi cab by his players as they were about to head to the Butler (now Hinkle) Fieldhouse. Johnson took over as player-coach, and Francis had to be propped up on the bench throughout the first two games. The Devils won the first two games but fell to Anderson High School in the championship game 23-16. Francis claimed that he was doped the night before and that it might have involved some prominent Jeffersonville people. Many people thought he was drunk, but his effects did not wear off by the championship game that night, and it was reported that his condition didn’t get better until two days later. Francis resigned a week later. Was Francis drugged after he left the team dinner Friday evening? The number one theory is that gamblers wanted to prevent Jeffersonville from winning; allegedly, odds were 12 to 7 against the Devils winning against the favored Anderson team. Players seldom talked about the mystery surrounding the 1935 championship game, and with all the members now deceased, it is now part of Hoosier High School lore. The Devils would not make it back to the title game until 1974, and it would not be until 1993 that they broke their jinx and captured the school’s lone basketball state title at the Hoosier Dome. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession stand is located in the main lobby of the building offering many items found at other gyms. Fans can purchase a hot dog, chili and cheese hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, and a dish they call Devil nachos for the prices of $1.50 and $2.50. Guests can wash it all down with a bottle of Coca-Cola or Sweet Tea. Atmosphere 3 The gymnasium debuted in 1972 and was renamed in honor of Johnson seven years later. It originally had a capacity of 5,306–one of 31 gyms in the state that seat 5,000 or more–but was trimmed down to around 4,800 after recent renovations that included the WJHI radio station in the upper level. The seating sections are broken into an upper and lower level, with wood on top and red plastic seats on the bottom; the top level offers a wraparound concourse for easy movement and a few nice vantage points from behind the net on both sides. The Red Devil theme is evident from a fire design foul line, a giant J-tailed logo at the center court, and four state championship banners hanging from the rafters in one corner of the gym. The main lobby is large enough to offer a trophy room, ticket offices, a concession stand, and four glass cylinders that display the school’s four state championship titles. There is even a button that plays the final 39 seconds of the 1993 state championship basketball team’s radio broadcast, a very nice touch. One game worth checking out is against New Albany. The heated rivalry dates back to 1909 and a packed gym is expected when the Bulldogs come to town. The game takes on a college feel with a bolstered student section and pre-game ceremonies that are passionate and engraved in the hearts of many in town. The Jeffersonville/New Albany rivalry is at 160 games as of this writing. Neighborhood 4 Jeffersonville is located across the river from Louisville, Kentucky, but offers enough dining and entertainment that might keep you in Indiana. Main Street borders the Ohio River and is home to the Big Four Bridge, which is a pedestrian-only crossing that offers a spectacular view of the Louisville skyline and the many barges that pass underneath. Some markers detail the history of the bridge that was first constructed in 1895. Downtown Jeffersonville features shops and restaurants, infused with local traditions and buildings that have been repurposed. Pearl St. Taphouse, Big Four Burgers & Beer, and The Barrelhouse on Market are three top choices. If you are looking for more wallet-friendly places, visit Orange Clover Kitchen or Ann’s By the River. Pearl St. Game & Coffee House pours some of the best coffee in the area, it is ridiculously smooth. Howard Steamboat Museum & Mansion is a great way to spend an hour or two, or one can simply cross the river into Louisville and explore other great museums, fine restaurants, and plenty of bourbon distilleries and craft breweries. A few miles down the interstate in New Albany is one of the area’s best breweries. The New Albanian Brewing Company Pizzeria & Public House is both a great place for locally brewed beers and homemade pizza. Fans 3 The Red Devils fans have a long history with their basketball and rivalry games against nearby New Albany High School would be the game you would want to attend during the season. The fan base does its best rooting for their hometown team and when you are in this part of the state, basketball roots run a little deeper. Access 3 Johnson Arena is a nice-sized facility that is extremely easy to get around. There is plenty of parking located outside of the main entrance and it’s located only a few miles from the I-265. However, one should use their GPS when traveling by car. There are bathrooms on both levels of the facility and seats and exits are marked for fans inside the main gym. Return on Investment 4 The Johnson Arena is your typical basketball gym from the 1970s and when it is filled, one begins to understand the term Hoosier Hysteria. Ticket prices are $6 and concession prices are less than $2.50. The main lobby offers a nice collection of basketball traditions and plenty of accolades from the various school sports teams. Visitors also get to enjoy some quality time along Main Street in downtown Jeffersonville. It’s a very charming city that is nice to visit during the basketball season, but perhaps more appealing during the warmer months of the year. Extras 2 The Johnson Arena receives a point for the interactive display of the 1993 state championship team. Fans can press a button to hear the final 39 seconds of the radio broadcast from that magical season that resulted in the school’s first state championship after several finishes as runner-up. The Johnson Arena receives its last point for being located in a very pretty town that offers a lot to do before and after the game. The Main Street area has great restaurants and places to grab a drink and you can also take a nice walk across the Ohio River into Louisville if that strikes your fancy. The Big Four Bridge is also a nice attraction that is a perfect way to get a little walk on a warm day. Final Thoughts There is a lot to enjoy about watching a basketball game at the William Johnson Arena including easy access off the interstate, a charming Main Street, proximity to Louisville, and affordable concession prices. There is a lot of history on display, but easily could be more from a basketball program with over 100 years of operation and various seasons of winning basketball. If you are ever in the area, check to see if the Red Devils are playing a game at the Johnson Arena.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 McAnally Center 910 E Washington St Greencastle, IN 46135 Greencastle Tiger Cubs website McAnally Center website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 4,900 One of Indiana’s Best-Kept Secret Russell S. Hessler served as the principal of Greencastle High School for 40 years from 1978 to 2018 and was the woodshop teacher before moving into his administrative role. His experience and craftsmanship paid off when the school decided to renovate the gymnasium seating and replace its home court several years ago. Hessler was instrumental in redesigning the look of the McAnally Center that opened in 1969 and at one time sat 5,200 spectators. The first phase was recoloring the bleachers, resulting in the gym's capacity scaling down to 4,900. The new bleacher seating went from dark brown to school colors of purple and gray. A few years later, the court was altered, resulting in the two-tone surface brown hues matching the brown awnings on top of the gym’s dome roof ceiling. The court design was part of a school-wide contest by 15 students. The winning design included the schools giant “G” logo–modeled after the University of Georgia and not the Green Bay Packers–and the new Tiger Cub logo that Hessler co-designed and paid the $125 trademark fee. He included the proper shape of the Tiger Cub teeth. The school gets its name from DePauw University, which is known as the Tigers. The high school began using the Tiger Cubs name a little while after. The basketball team was a finalist for three straight state tournaments from 1931 to 1933, losing in the 1931 and 1933 title games. The gymnasium would be named after its star Jess McAnally who would pass away shortly after graduating. Food & Beverage 3 The food options at the McAnally Center are what you will find at most other basketball gyms in the state. The menu items include hot dogs, jumbo hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, pretzels, candy, and Pepsi products. There are two concession stands at the bottom corners of the building and for an added treat, ice cream sundaes are offered for $4 on the upper concourse. All of the proceeds benefit the all-sports booster club. Atmosphere 4 The McAnally Center is much like any other high school gymnasium in Indiana in its framework. It is large, offers bleacher seating, has two sections of seats, features a couple of small concession stands, offers a student section, and has the school band playing in a designated area. However, the arena is very well-lit and provides a “wow factor” the moment you walk in through the door. The dome ceiling offers LED lighting that hangs above the court and a modern scoreboard decked out in school colors that also adds a bit of “pop” to the building. At both ends of the court are areas where school championships are displayed prominently and four banners hang which feature the state finalists of 1931 to 1933. Just outside the arena on the upper concourse is the trophy room that is dominated by Jess McAnally who led the Tiger Cubs to those three state championships. He went on to play college basketball at Northwestern University in Chicago but died unexpectedly during his sophomore year. When the building was being constructed, his family made sure that it was named after him. There was no team mascot during our visit, but the PA announcer did quite a nice job throughout the game introducing players to the sound system that was loud and clear. There are also fellow booster clubs on the upper concourse selling merchandise and even ice cream sundaes during the game. Neighborhood 4 The town of Greencastle is located about 60 miles west of Indianapolis and is accessible by I-70. It is known as being the home to DePauw University, a private liberal arts college with an enrollment of around 2,300 students that was established in 1837. The town of 10,508 people does offer quite a bit of local eateries to enjoy after the game. Wasser Brewing Company combines well-crafted beers with fine foods in a slightly upscale atmosphere. The beer is quite good and the recommended dishes would be the smoked pork banh mi and breaded tenderloin sandwiches. Almost Home contemporary cuisine is surrounded by a vast amount of Chicago Cubs paraphernalia on the brick walls. Bridges offer wood-fired pizzas, chef-inspired dishes, and a selection of fine wine in a very “swanky” setting. If you are looking for freshly made burgers, hand-cut fries, drafts, and a fun atmosphere, Tap House 24 is your destination. Fans 3 The Tiger Cub fans put on a good showing for home games and support the boys in purple out on the court. The student section stands throughout the game and is highly visible and also extremely supportive of the basketball team. Access 4 The gymnasium is 50 years old but appears to be somewhat newer based on recent renovations to the seating area, lighting, and flooring. Fans enter the main entrance at the bottom and staircases take them to the upper level. The main concourse wraps around the entire court for easy access and viewing of the action of the game. Return on Investment 4 The cost to see a basketball game is $5 and falls in line with many other high school gymnasiums in the state of Indiana. However, this is one of the best-lit gyms in the state and it has a court that is unparalleled to any other that I have seen in my last four years of touring various facilities in the Hoosier State. Downtown Greencastle also provides some great restaurants for dining and drinking and you’re not too far away from Indianapolis to make the commute. Extras 3 The McAnally Center receives a point for the LED lighting that makes everything pop throughout the facility. The lights hang from the dome roof and provide a visual that is stunning to the first-time visitor. The second point is for the basketball court which is among the prettiest that I have seen in the state. The multi-color wood floor features the school's “G’ logo in the center as well as the updated Tiger Cub logo on both sides of the floor. The third point is for the scoreboard which is among the newest and brightest in the state. There are also two other scoreboards at each end of the gym that make it much easier for referees, players, and coaches to see how much time is left in the game. Final Thoughts I had not heard too much about the McAnally Center but after looking through a list of gymnasiums recently I saw a few pictures and thought it was worth my effort to make a trip out to see a game. I am glad I did since the very gorgeous-looking building offers wonderful colors, lighting, and plenty of visuals to set it apart from any other gymnasium. It was also a pleasure to talk to former school principal Russell S. Hessler; I learned a lot more about that gymnasium than I would have ever fathomed. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 George Mason Stadium 4400 University Drive Fairfax, VA 22030 George Mason Patriots website George Mason Stadium website Capacity: 5,000 Patriot Games The George Mason Patriots soccer and lacrosse teams plays their home games in the 5,000 seat George Mason Stadium. The venue is located in a complex which also includes the GMU Field House as well as Spuhler Field , home of the school’s baseball team. It has previously hosted some D.C. United matches in the U.S. Open Cup and other lesser tournaments, but the team now plays those at its new stadium, Audi Field . On the lacrosse side, it was formerly the home of the Washington Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse, before they relocated to Annapolis, became the Chesapeake Bayhawks, and eventually folded. This review will focus on the experience at George Mason Stadium for a women's lacrosse game. Mason does not have a men's lacrosse team, so during the lacrosse season only the women call this place home. Food & Beverage 2 There is a cart parked on the track underneath the scoreboard at George Mason Stadium that serves a basic selection of food. Just about the only thing that can be a meal is a hot dog, while bottled soda and water and assorted snacks, cookies, chips and candy are also available. Prices are reasonable with nothing more than $5 but the selection is quite limited. Fans are also permitted to bring their own food and drink into the stadium with them if they so choose. . Atmosphere 2 George Mason Stadium has a large set of bleachers that can seat up to 5,000 fans, which is absolutely cavernous given they usually attract only a few hundred. All bleachers are standard benches without backs and are separated from the field by a track so they do not have the greatest view of the action. The bleachers' sheer size and distance from the field take away a lot from the atmosphere here. Bigger isn't always better and this stadium proves that. A small scoreboard is located behind the goal on the right as you are sitting in the bleachers and shows only the basic information. The team will occasionally do pregame or halftime activities to honor various groups and will play music during breaks in the action, but this is a pretty standard experience. Some of the best lacrosse fan experiences in the country are located in the Baltimore-Washington area, but unfortunately George Mason is not one of them. The atmosphere here is pretty basic and what you'd expect from most non-revenue sports. Neighborhood 3 Fairfax is a typical suburban area about 25 miles outside Washington, D.C. There is a shopping center across campus which includes several chain places and a movie theatre. If you’re willing to drive a few miles, the Glory Days Grill in the City of Fairfax is a local favorite, as is Capital Ale House. While Fairfax doesn’t have the same excitement you’d get in the District, it’s still a nice suburb with plenty to do and places to eat before or after the game. Fans 2 Mason will average several hundred fans a game, which is typical for women's college lacrosse. Most of them are friends and family of the players or have some other connection to the school. They can get passionate, but the fact that the stadium is much larger than it needs to be means the crowd noise and energy is a lot less than it otherwise would be. This is unfortunate and not really the fans' fault, but it does bring down the rating here. Access 4 George Mason’s campus is about six miles off the Capital Beltway (I-495) or three miles off I-66. Once you’re on campus, ample free parking is available in the lot stretching between the Field House and Spuhler Field (with the stadium in the middle), and more parking is available on the other side of the Field House. Typically parking will not be a hassle, even if there is a baseball game at Spuhler Field at the same time. However, the Field House does occasionally host outside events as well, and those can draw much larger crowds than the typical Mason game. When Stadium Journey visited for our review, there was a youth wrestling tournament going on in the Field House that drew participants and families from all across the region, and the parking lot was packed. However, we have parked in this lot several times before for other events at George Mason Stadium and Spuhler Field and have encountered no issues whatsoever. Check ahead of time to see what is happening, and leave yourself a lot of extra time to park if something major is going on in the Field House that day. Otherwise you should probably be fine. Unfortunately, Mason’s campus is not easily Metro-accessible as the closest stop is Vienna, five miles away. Despite having the school name in the station’s full name (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU), getting to the stadium from there is not very easy. There is a shuttle bus that is about a 15-minute ride to campus, but then you will have to walk another 15-20 minutes to get to the stadium. Under no circumstances should you use the Virginia Square-GMU station, as that serves Mason’s Arlington satellite campus, and is nowhere near the main campus in Fairfax. Although there are no restrooms in the stadium itself, there are some next door in the Field House which are available during games. Typically these are of a large enough size to accommodate the stadium crowds without issue, but as with parking, this can change if there is an outside event at the Field House that day. Return on Investment 3 Admission to Mason lacrosse games is free and concessions are affordable. Parking is usually free on weekends, but there is a cost on weekdays or if there is an event at the Field House so check the signs to be sure. If there is a charge, you will need to pay on your smartphone using the ParkMobile app. While a visit to a Mason game is affordable, there is not enough here to earn an above average score. Extras 1 There are free programs available by the entrance, but that is the only real extra here. Final Thoughts George Mason Stadium is a classic example of why bigger stadiums aren't always better stadiums. A 5,000 seat grandstand separated from the field by a track is far too large for the crowds Mason attracts, and it really puts a damper on the atmosphere. The stands feel cavernous and far removed from the action, and that turns what could otherwise be a great experience into a mediocre one at best. There are many college lacrosse teams to choose from in the Baltimore-Washington area, and while fans of George Mason may want to check out their lacrosse team, there are better places for neutrals to check out a game close by.

Photo courtesy of New York Daily News Texas A&M has the 12th Man. Columbia University football has Jake Novak, arguably its number one fan. For more than two decades, Jake has been blogging about CU football at Roar Lions 2024 . In equal parts, he has played the role of cheerleader, promoter and critic. This year, Jake was cheering a lot. For the first time since 1961, Columbia won the Ivy League title, sharing it with Harvard and Dartmouth. Jake took a few minutes to discuss this historic season, as well as some other issues. STADIUM JOURNEY: So, how does it feel to finally be at the top of the Ivy league? Does the air feel different? Is it as glorious as you imagined? You've been in the desert for so, so long. JAKE NOVAK:  It definitely feels great, though not exactly like the promised land because it was a shared championship with two teams, which we lost to during the season. I've been reliably told we don’t have to refer to this as a "co-championship," but that's going to take a little getting used to. What makes up for the 3-way tie is how good this team was overall and what it overcame both before and during the season.    STADIUM JOURNEY: You do a lot of predictions on the blog. Did you see this coming this season? Did  anyone  see this coming? JAKE NOVAK: No one seriously saw this coming. I felt like last year's 3-7 team should have gone 5-5 or so, but not much better than that. We had issues at the QB position all year, and you can't expect to have a winning season without good overall QB play. So we entered this season knowing we had to start a totally new starter and how much can you expect from a season like that? I did think new Head Coach Jon Poppe was a winner though, and considering all the returning talent at the other positions I thought we could eke out a 6-4 season this year, going either 3-4 in the Ivy League or at best 4-2. It turned out we found a generational talent in sophomore starting QB Chase Goodwin, and his two backups performed well enough after he went down with a non-career threatening injury at midseason. That made a huge difference. Columbia ended up 7-3 and 5-2 in the Ivies, and that's actually a major step from 6-4 and 3-4 in the league. If you know, you know.     STADIUM JOURNEY: How did you become such a diehard Columbia football fan? How on earth does this happen? Describe the evolution. JAKE NOVAK:  When I began as a freshman at Columbia in 1988, the Lions were in the middle of the longest losing streak in college football history. You couldn't help but root for those guys. Columbia lost the first three games of the season and then stunned Princeton at Homecoming to end the 44-game streak. The campus went wild and the administration even served free pizza and beer to everyone. No one was even carded! And I was hooked. I was just amazed that kids going to my college actually played football at all. It still kind of amazes me. The money-centric aspect of pro sports gets me down sometimes, so the purity of Ivy ball resonates. I'm much more of a fan of CU football than any other sports team I follow.    STADIUM JOURNEY: How long have you been blogging about CU football? What drives you to keep humming along?  JAKE NOVAK:  I started the blog in 2005 and used to update it just about every day. Life has made that harder to do in recent years, but I try to keep it going as often as I can.    STADIUM JOURNEY: There have been some low points over the past few decades. What was the lowest? JAKE NOVAK:  The absolute low point was the hiring of Pete Mangurian as the Head Coach of the program after the 2011 season. I tried to be a good soldier about it for a while, but this was a guy with a documented history of altercations with players, including the very beloved Jumbo Elliot from the New York Giants. There was no real search process before he was hired, and we were in big trouble in the beginning. The players felt abandoned and abused and going into Mangurian's final season, I decided to go into full revolt mode against the CU Athletic Department. I got a lot of support from many fans and alumni and parents. but some people abandoned and shunned me. It was ultimately worth it, but Mangurian left the program in a shambles and riding a 21-game losing streak at the end of the 2014 season.     STADIUM JOURNEY: You're an indie operation, not affiliated with CU.  Are you still getting some cold shoulders from the Columbia administration? Or have things mellowed? JAKE NOVAK: Yes and no. One key staffer in the Athletic Department definitely still hates me. But he's enough of a sports fan to know that the things I pushed for were way overdue and the program is the better for it, not because of me, but because I gave a platform to so many people who otherwise would have been silenced.    STADIUM JOURNEY: Last year, the blog went on hiatus, at least it sure seemed that way. It was amid the campus protests. Was this a coincidence? Were you considering stepping away from CU football and perhaps Columbia in general? JAKE NOVAK:  That's exactly right. I am deeply saddened by not only the radical antisemitism Columbia keeps allowing on campus, but by the terrible advertisement for the school these protesters truly are. Whenever they speak publicly, they can barely put together a coherent sentence. Even if I did agree with their political points, I'd be embarrassed to be associated with them. The school is doing very serious damage to itself and I am ashamed of the institution. I considered not supporting the teams for some time, but the varsity athletes are clearly not the people protesting on campus and spreading hate. They've been going through much worse than I am during this ordeal, and I decided to support them. But I refrained from wearing my Columbia gear at the games and held back on donations. I wore my Sid Luckman Chicago Bears jersey to every game and that was that.    STADIUM JOURNEY: Wien Stadium is a special venue. What's it like to attend a game there? What's special about it? JAKE NOVAK:  It's a very beautiful spot in the Inwood neighborhood of Manhattan. The Inwood Hill Park adjacent to the stadium is the last large chunk of Manhattan that still looks the same as it was when the Dutch first landed here in the 16th century. The stadium itself offers some great views of the Hudson River and the rock formations. In the stands, you are very close to the field and there are no bad seats. Parking is a challenge, but not impossible.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So let's say someone's planning on attending a game at Wien. What are some ideal spots to hit before and after the game? What other insider tips do you have for fans who plan on visiting Wien?   JAKE NOVAK: Well, definitely stroll through Inwood Hill Park if you can and see the amazing views.  About 20 blocks from the stadium is The Cloisters, a mock up of a massive medieval castle and grounds that the Metropolitan Museum has used for decades to house its Medieval art, armor collection. It's a great place to visit.  Inwood itself used to be a restaurant and bar desert, but that's not true anymore. One place that never would have existed in old Inwood is Inwood Farm Cafe, which is just diagonally across from the stadium on 218th street. It was a blast going there after Columbia beat Cornell to watch Harvard lose to Yale and thus clinch the co-championship for Columbia on the TV over the bar. Food is good there too.    STADIUM JOURNEY: Have you considered stopping the blog, or are you in this for the long haul? JAKE NOVAK:  I'll always update the blog as long as I'm physically able. It may become a monthly periodical one day or something like that if push comes to shove.  Jon Hart is  @manversusball